A memorable journey began after we left Washington D.C on 26/2/25 and, many hours later, found ourselves in the remote port of Ushuaia – at the southern-most tip of Argentina’s coast. Here we boarded an expedition ship that was Following in the Steps of Shakleton….a journey which began in nearby Antarctica….
The snowy Antarctic landscape was punctuated by rugged rocks and a relatively calm sea when we first saw Elephant island in the distance. We came ashore and saw just how challenged were Shackleton’s crew when they landed, exhausted after many days of rowing – in 1916. Shackleton then announced that he and his Captain Worsley would take one boat and row the many miles to the nearest Norwegian Whaling Station, on South Georgia Island. This remote island in the South Atlantic was already familiar to Shackleton during past expeditions. So, on Elephant Island – the remaining 2 boats were upturned to provide the 28 crew with shelter from the severe Antarctic elements, while seals and fish were the men’s only source of food. This was a grim but heartening story of the survival of 28 men stranded on Elephant Island….. and their final rescue by Shackleton aboard a Norwegian whaling boat.
When we finally arrived at South Georgia Island, we had absorbed many informative talks on the history of Shackleton, as well as the local flora and fauna. The abundance of penguins was unexpected and so was varied landscape in the various coves of this remote island, as well as dilapidated, historic buildings of the old Norwegian Whaling Station.
