The Zodiac – Our Ticket to Explore!
Video: The Zodiac
Post written: Raleigh, NC
October 16, to November 2, 2022
December 5, 2023
One of Life’s Great Experiences!
Antarctica tourists must live on a boat. Antarctica Zone environmental protocols require that the boat anchor offshore – tourists must then ride rubber rafts with outboard motors, called zodiacs, to land on the islands and the Antarctica continent within the zone.
Obviously we were there to land so we could experience the landscape and the penguins, birds, and the seals. The zodiac rides were our ticket to explore – but the zodiacs were not pulled up on the shore. Instead they were pulled up as close to shore as possible – we were given knee-high rubber boots so that we could wade ashore from the zodiac! These rides were memorable experiences. It is hard to describe my excitement as I descended to the loading platform for my first zodiac ride. It was a bucket list adventure for me. I hope you can get a sense of these rides from this video.
As usual, I’d love comments!
Barry, this experience …. It leaves me wondering how people live and work there and help document this frozen zone. I thank you so much for sharing a place I will never visit. Your photos show the realism of the cold, the beauty in this vast frozen land. I appreciate your information on who can be there. I wondered about why boots had to be disinfected when reboarding the large ship?
How many trips did take to the shore?
Once landed how much time did you spend on shore?
What was the temperature?
Did each zodiac land in a different area ?
Hi Bill – Sorry it has taken me so long to reply. I’m a lot slower than I used to be. And I forget a lot. So I’d guess about 10 landings from the Falklands to the Antarctic peninsula. Temperatures ranged from the 50’s in the Falklands to the 20’s in Antarctic zone. We’d spend from two to four hours on each landing. (Of course, we didn’t want to miss a meal on board!)
Great trip but I’m glad to be back on solid ground now!
– Barry
Greetings Barry, Your documentary skills served well in capturing the experience of the zodiac. I truly felt like I was there… feeling a little queasy from sea sickness. The wildlife and landscape is captivating. Rock on !
Thanks Cheryl – I hope I’m no longer rocking. I’d rather just keep on moving on solid ground for now!
THANKS! – Barry
Hi Barry,
I’m sorry that I’m just getting back to you. I’m just viewing your latest video. Linda and I came down with RSV, (the one vaccination we did not get), on Thanksgiving, and it has taken about three weeks to recuperate.
I like part 5 of your video series—great photography and editing. I’m looking forward to seeing more of your work!
Linda and I want to wish you and your family a Happy Holiday.
Best,
Michael
Hi Michael! I’m glad you’re recovering. I’m really struggling to learn to edit video, and working with the sound makes it really, really challenging. some days I wish I was back in the darkroom!!!!
Hope your holidays have been great.
= barry