For lack of better words, I shall simply quote those of one of the ship’s crewmembers:

“The Drake Passage had shown us its dark side. Indeed, our voyage had been shackled to battering winds and sheets of salt spray for almost every operation, spawn of the massive low-pressure cell that clung unyielding to the rocky margins of South America and the Antarctic Peninsula for our entire voyage. Yet, we managed and even thrived within windows of atmospheric reprieve to view sublime scenery and achieve superb wildlife encounters.

The transit north across the Drake Passage from Antarctica to South America is such a striking contrast to the initial sail south from Ushuaia, which is marked by giddy anticipation of sights yet unseen. Heading to Ushuaia, we are satiated from our ten-day adventure. From the amazing sights of soaring albatrosses to a rare gathering of soft-plumaged petrels on the wing; from reposing southern elephant seals to stately icebergs; from rugged, ice-covered mountains to once-in-a-lifetime encounters with leopard seals; from dark-hewn basalt cliffs to a bed of macro fungi; and from the crisp scent of cool Antarctic air to the pungent smell of penguins and the musk of plucky Antarctic fur seals, our senses have been filled to their limits.

Blown by the winds, we met each other by chance and became a random gathering of souls who will likely never meet again. For a short time, we all shared in a single adventure that had a life of its own. Like icebergs, no two adventures are identical. Sadly, also like icebergs, adventures have to come to their end, slowly breaking up into smaller parts and melting away until they are only memories. Too soon now, we will melt back into our former lives, but forevermore will the spectacle of Antarctica be a part of us.”

Speaking for myself, this trip has not only changed me, but it has also altered my entire perspective on life. The whole neurosurgery versus emergency medicine debate was now reopened after months of me trying to patch it closed. I wanted more. More of this. More adventure. Would I be happy not chasing such things? And that’s exactly the issue. I’ve always said that happiness is for the mediocre and that I don’t do dreams, only goals – two completely different perspectives now at odds with each other. Which one would prevail? I guess only time would tell.

• Distance:

• • • Total walked: 42km
    • Total travelled: 1725 nautical miles

• Books:  None