Posts Tagged ‘Antarctica’

Antarctic Exploration May Soon Come To An End

A hundred years ago or so, a whaling ship known as the Antarctic came to a halt off the volcanic, wind-battered coast and sent one of their longboats through the through the rough ocean of the Ross Sea to reach the shore. January 24, 1895 marked the first time humans set foot on the continent of Antarctica when the landing party, headed up by Captain Leonard Kristensen, stopped during their voyage to hunt whales in waters that were unclaimed by any other country. You can get the best antarctica cruise trips information by visiting this website.

 

It was in blood that Antarctica was christened. The Industrial Revolution energized the desire to massacre millions of Antarctic animals such as whales and penguins.  The oil from these animals was used as a lubricant for machinery and their fur was an added bonus. It was on Macquarie Island that countless penguins were rounded up and forced up planks that lead into large pots of boiling oil so that they would fall in and add their own oil to the mix.

 

Finally, after exploiting the Frozen Continent more than 100 years, it seems humans are willing to let go of the easy money and fast kill opportunities to allow Antarctica to be a place of preserving both science and nature for the future. There is even discussions about making a world park on this continent. It is on this continent that evidence of environmental threats such as ozone depletion and the greenhouse effect, can be observed by scientists. It is surprising how fast this change of thought has come about in Antarctica. When you consider how long the human race has been around, the short time we have been on Antarctica is very minimal. It was not until the 1957-1958 International Geophysical Year (also known as IGY) that more coastline, islands, and a handful of paths to the South Pole were even investigated.

 

From the very first, the appearance of men on this continent has resulted in a convoluted story of nationalism, aggression, idealism, and unchecked slaughter, with sporadic, cavalier attempts toward scientific research. Whaling heightened during World War I, as the glycerin extracted from the oil of whales was valuable for the making of artillery shells. After World War II began, Americans and the Soviets both needed to produce extra-fine oil for their jet engines.  So, the Soviets and the Americans both began hunting sperm whales. It was not until the International Geophysical Year that Antarctica was referred to as anything but “Terra Incognita,” a term used by medieval mapmakers to describe this undiscovered southern continent. You can get the best antarctica cruise ship information by visiting this website.

 

The birth of the first individual in Antarctica was a witness to dutiful conceit. That person has not yet reached adulthood. Emilio Marcus Palmer’s birth was highly calculated as Argentina flew his mother to Argentina’s Esperanza Base to give birth, with the sole goal of securing Argentina’s right to much of Antarctica’s territory.

 

This was similar to Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walking on the moon nine years earlier and placing the American flag on the moon as a symbol of its dominance. In one of the most ambitious attempt to show dominance was when Roald Amundsen rushed to the South Pole in 1911 to honor Norway’s King Haakon VII. Although Robert F. Scott and his team also made that trip for the British, they spent a great deal more time on their voyage so that they could collect rock and fossil samples - the weight of which only slowed them down further.

 

Due to a combination of being demoralized by Armundsen getting to the South Pole a month ahead of them, an unhealthy  diet, hauling the rocks out, and basic overall bad luck on the return trip, Scott’s group became known as the first martyrs of Antarctic science. America staked their claim to the South Pole when Richard Byrd took a flight over it in 1929 using a Ford Trimotor. The Soviet Union also announced their own interest in the area in 1821 when they sent Admiral Thaddeus Bellinghausen through the territory.

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Adventure Travel - A Time for Rest and Exploration

 

Those who need a break from work and want to go do something interactive and different turn to adventure travel. A person uses this vacation travel time to push himself physically without going overboard and savoring the resulting experiences. Most people look for adventure travel because trips are customizable so they are suited to the fitness level and needs of the person doing them. If you have been considering an adventure vacation, we have the tips you need to determine if this really is the best choice for you. Visit this site for further information on antarctica travel.

 

Fun and excitement lurk at every corner of adventure travel. It is all about communing with nature via exciting activities. Spots for this kind of vacation are open to deeper study and exploration. Underwater swimming along with a bit of skiing and climbing or kayaking are usually done which is why natural habitats are prime places for such vacations. Quite a few of the trips act as tools for helping the needy survive and become less dependent individuals. You can stay in the confines of your backyard or go off somewhere exotic for the life changing adventure travel you have been longing for.

 

Age and fitness status do not play a role in qualifying for adventure travel. The vacations are flexible enough to allow people to adjust them according to their specifications. You are in for some underwater swimming and brief camping on land as well as some hiking if you go for Antarctic travel. Less risky activities that can be done while in Antarctica include walking around on deck and just taking in the scene from there. It is the best way to experience the scenic landscape and impressive wildlife minus having to risk your safety doing stuff your body may not be able to handle.

 

The new discoveries to be made are what make adventure travel so interesting. You are in for the trip of your life as you go about absorbing new info about the place and getting involved in new settings. There are times during adventure travel where you might be required to abandon the comfort zone and enter unknown territory. You cannot go worrying every minute while in an adventure travel because it will ruin your chances of learning and experiencing unbelievable things. You could already be contemplating your next trip while still on this one. Go to this site for further information on trips to antarctica.

 

Adventure travel isn’t just about doing, however. It has to do with experiencing new sights and sounds as well as bumping into people of different nationalities too. You need to have a hunger for the unfamiliar and a tremendous desire to learn to go on adventure travel. It is the trip for people who want to know firsthand how it is to survive in deserts or climb to mountain tops. This is a trip that injects some life into a humdrum existence. They do not hide at the prospect of danger and instead embrace it while looking forward to an educational experience.

 

People who take adventure travel these days are not necessarily subjected to huge discomforts or rough activities. After being gone the whole day hiking you are free to return and conveniently relax. Cruise vacations are known for providing this convenience to travelers. You can spend your days exploring exotic ports of call and discovering a host of cultural delights. Be entertained by various activities aboard the cruise as well as the first class dinners. Such vacations successfully combine adventure and relaxation.

 

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Cruising to Antarctica - Visiting the Great Southern Continent

Cruise vacations are often associated with temperate regions that have palm trees and several sandy coasts. Some thrill seekers head out north to places like Alaska to get their fill of interesting wildlife and view a different scene. But bolder individuals might opt for something totally different. Consider paying a visit to Antarctica soon. This article will provide some reasons to consider an Antarctica cruise for your next vacation. This site teaches you about antarctica cruise expeditions.

 

Humans have largely left the area of wondrous Antarctica untouched. It is a mecca for wildlife of all kinds and home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. If you have never considered a voyage to the White Continent, perhaps it is time to consider the many benefits of an Antarctica cruise. There is information to be gained from visiting the place on top of the welcome relaxation you get from it.

 

The biting cold and harsh climes however do not prevent a bunch of wildlife from thriving in the area. An Antarctica vacation comes with plenty of opportunities to watch wildlife like penguins and seals on land as well as whales in the water. Many deem the period covering December to March as the perfect time of the year for looking at wild animals.

 

The view from an Antarctica cruise ship is breathtaking and combining this with stunning wildlife and the place transforms into a magical place. Feast your eyes and senses with the sight of great whales and icebergs as well as other spectacular scenes. The vast expanse of icy water will be another thing to be impressed about. Few things can compare to the peacefulness of cruising the Antarctic with nobody to disturb you and just the rare sound of wild animals native to the area to break the routine. Go to this site for further information on great antarctica cruise.

 

Other cruise trips do not take long but with one headed for Antarctica the opposite is true so better be ready. Ten days is the typical minimum length of the cruise but some trips can last upwards of three weeks. How long it takes to get to the debarkation place usually Argentina or somewhere else equally fascinating is another consideration. Cruise vacations are perfect for those looking to take it easy while also learning in the process. Antarctica travel cruises allow you to gain in depth knowledge about the continent through various seminars or classes provided during the trip.

 

Antarctica cruise lines tend to be smaller and have limited room because of the rough terrain and the seasonal itineraries. Most of the vessels carry no more than a hundred or so passengers and some are much smaller than that. The cruise itineraries usually run from November to March, since the rest of the year does not offer weather conducive for travel. If thinking of cruising Antarctica it would be best for you to reserve a trip soon.

 

The journey may be long and the ship not so roomy but you can make good use of your time mingling with other cruise takers. Cruise lines traveling to the area often provide spacious accommodations and superb dining. Antarctic travel packages are offered by most mainstream ship cruise liners so you basically have little to worry about in terms of adequate accommodations and great service. However, smaller cruise companies that specialize in adventure vacations to Antarctica may be the perfect choice for those that want to get up close and personal with both the wildlife and the rugged terrain.

 

An Antarctica cruise offers a voyage that is truly unique from any other. Those who wish to go to Antarctica should book reservations ahead of time to avoid getting stuck with hellish itineraries and awful rooms. Once everything is ready you can start looking forward to a vacation you will not soon forget.

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