I’ve spent the past four hours online browsing trips to Antarctica. Since the February 1984 issue of Ranger Rick it’s been the place I’ve most wanted to visit in this world, but the costs are extraordinarily prohibitive. I’ve always said that I’d go “some day” when I could afford it — tonight’s epiphany was that I’ve gotten to the point where this dream is no longer impossible, so “some day” is now the winter of 2004-2005. Yeah, it’s still extraordinarily expensive, but I’d rather die broke having lived my life than rich but unfulfilled.
If anyone browsing this site has ever been to Antarctica (hello Greg) or knows anyone who has been then I’d appreciate any tips about what the best way to see that part of the world is — the message board works, or you can e-mail me (ryan.holliday@gmail.com if you don’t know my regular e-mail address). After lots of browsing the best option I’ve found looks like Cheeseman’s Antarctic Tour. They aren’t cheap, but they offer more time in Antarctica and seem geared towards people who want to get the most out of their trip rather than take it easy and relax on board. It would be nice to keep costs down, but at the same time this is probably a once in a lifetime thing, so there’s no point cutting costs if it means less time exploring.
Now that I’ve realized that this trip is not only possible, but that I’ve actually made up my mind to go, I’ve been driving JB crazy talking about it. Sleep is suddenly hard to come by…