Posted by Felix | Posted in Cats Needs | Posted on
Tags: cat, drake passage, dusky dolphin, elephant seals, japan, japanese, lucky, magellanic penguins, maneki, maneki neko lucky cat, neko lucky cat, peninsula valdes, south shetland islands, storm petrels, tail fins
 |
Maneki neko Lucky fortune Cat Waving Arm Gold Sale Price: $2.99  |
|
Battery Operated Waving Hand Feng Shui lucky cats are said to attract more active wealth chi and good luck to home/business. The one held in its right hand presents money. Its left hand up and waive to bring more good chi with battery operated... |
On entering the terminal I was surprised to see not only a Welsh greeting but a dinosaur. I had arrived in Peninsula Valdes, the starting point of my recent trip to Patagonia and Antarctica.
Peninsula Valdes is remote and arid yet rich in wildlife. Elephant seals bask on the shores - the mothers had just left their pups for the first time - and whilst at the estancia I saw Rheas (Ostrich-like), Maras (small rodents), European Hares, and Guanaco. I embarked upon a full day trip of the Peninsula heading north where you can see Orcas at times, although I did not have the opportunity on this occasion. At San Lorenzo, a private estancia, it is possible to see a large colony of around 2000 Magellanic Penguins which breed in what appeared to be a well planned and organised community. The Magellanic penguins arrive around late September and I was lucky to witness lots of females incubating their eggs, a few even nursed small grey fluffy chicks.
At Puerto Pyramides I headed out on a zodiac looking for Southern Right Whales. En route we were greeted by a pod of dusky dolphin who seemed intrigued by us. Shortly afterwards we saw a Southern Right and her calf - their immense size dwarfing our zodiac - and not long after a whole pod who were spy hopping and showing their tail fins. Seeing so much in just one day was exhilarating.
Leaving the Peninsula I flew down to Ushuaia where I was confronted by blazing sun and driving snow before boarding Antarctic Dream, my expeditionary boat for my Antarctic cruise. Plain sailing it was not and on encountering the choppy waters of the Drake Passage I opted for Dramamine to try and mitigate against the nausea of the movement of the boat.
Brown-bowed Albatros, Storm Petrels and many other seabirds accompanied us as we crossed the passage towards the South Shetland Islands. I spent the time watching movies (from the comfort of my cabin) and listening to Rodrigo's briefings on Antarctic wildlife.
After two days of blizzards I awoke to glorious sunshine and the South Shetlands. Our first outing by zodiac was an incredible experience, a wet landing on Aitcho Island. Here I was met by a colony of Gentoo penguins, in amongst them were a few chinstraps and brown skuas waiting for the opportune moment to steal a Penguin egg. I took over 140 photos on that landing - it really does pay to ensure that you have plenty of memory cards!
Suddenly the guides urged us back to the zodiac and boat. Within minutes sunshine was replaced by snow and minutes later a blizzard. The weather changes so dramatically and on one hand you feel vulnerable yet on the other you feel safe in the hands and expertise of the crew and guides.
Crossing from the South Shetlands to the Antarctic Peninsula was also fairly choppy. I awoke in the early hours of the morning when I nearly rolled out of bed to find that we were travelling incredibly fast. An announcement came over the public address system a few hours later asking us all to go to the dining room for an important meeting. Here we were told about the Explorer's distress signal and how we were diverting course to her rescue. Fortunately two boats were closer and were able to assist and ensure all of the passengers were safe.
Our itinerary changed due to weather and our next zodiac outing was a zodiac cruise at night around Paradise Bay. Of course night in Antarctica is a midnight blue that only lasts for a few hours from around 11pm to 2am.
The next landing was at Port Lockroy, the Antarctic Treaty Historic site, a British base. At Neko Bay I set foot on the Antarctic Continent which was a truly amazing feeling.
Cuverville Island was my favourite as we had perfect weather, absolutely amazing scenery and a huge colony of Gentoo Penguins. The terrain was rather steep with knee deep snow and I rather wish that I had cut down a little on the fantastic food on board the Antarctic Dream - maybe one too many empanadas! The Glacier was active with a large crashing sound every now and again and the echo of small avalanches.
Here we began our return voyage back to Ushuaia preparing ourselves for the Drake Passage and more bad weather. En route we passed Deception Island, although there was far too much pack ice to land on the island or swim in the thermal springs - Antarctica had just endured its harshest winter in years. The weather on the return journey was rough and most of us simply retired to our cabins to try and sleep through it.
The Captain's final dinner was an impressive finale to the amazing adventure. Whilst the trip had been blighted by weather I had been blessed - and thankful for - the quality of boat and crew.
About the Author:
Steppes Travel specialise in luxury holidays, and tailor made holidays
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - On Location February 08 – Antarctica
 |
 Maneki Neko Bling Bling Rhinestone Lucky Cat 6 Figure  US $14.99
|
 GOLD Lucky Beckoning Waving Cat MANEKI NEKO NIB 4 US $.99
|
 Large Lucky GOLD Beckoning Waving Cat MANEKI NEKO 10 US $9.95
|
 Lucky GOLD Beckoning Waving Cat MANEKI NEKO NIB 4 US $.99
|
 Lucky GOLD Beckoning Waving Cat MANEKI NEKO NIB 6 US $.99
|
 Japanese MANEKI NEKO Lucky Beckoning Cat Pair 2 Statues US $16.79
|
 Japanese MANEKI NEKO Lucky Beckoning Cat Ornament Bell US $6.79
|
 Japanese Maneki Neko Cat Style Lucky Rolly Polly Frog US $6.79
|
 Japanese MANEKI NEKO Lucky Cat Soy Creamer Jar RED US $6.79
|
 A set of Japanese lucky Maneki Neko Cats US $9.99
|
 Japanese MANEKI NEKO Lucky Beckoning Mother Cat Kittens US $6.79
|
 Japanese Lucky Maneki Neko Cat Left Paw US $5.99
|
 Maneki Neko Lucky Beckoning Cat Figurine Left Paw US $6.79
|
 Maneki Neko Cuite Jewel Lucky Cat Standing Figurine US $1.99
|
 JAPANESE CLOTH COIN PURSE MANEKI NEKO lucky cat MA340 US $3.99
|
 Japanese Maneki Neko Ceramic Lucky Cat Coin Bank Set US $11.99
|
 20 PCS Maneki nekoLuckyCatMobile Phone Charms Bell US $.99
|
 10 PCS Maneki nekoLuckyCatMobile Phone Charms Bell US $.99
|
 LUCKY NEKO KITTY CAT SUNFLOWERS GREETING CARD US $.99
|
 Lot 2 Japanese Maneki Neko Lucky Beckoning Cat Statues US $9.79
|
 MANEKI NEKO LUCKY CAT Picture Photo Refrigerator Magnet US $.98
|
 MANEKI NEKO LUCKY CAT Picture Photo Fridge Magnet US $.98
|
 Japanese Lucky Maneki Neko Cat Right Paw US $6.59
|
 Lucky GOLD Beckoning Waving Cat MANEKI NEKO NIB 6 inch US $2.95
|
 Solar Lucky GOLD Beckoning Waving Cat MANEKI NEKO US $3.95
|
 Japan Lucky Cats 7 Maneki Neko cell phone strap mobile US $.99
|
 Lucky cat Maneki neko left paw great for fortune US $5.00
|
 Lucky cat Maneki neko right paw great for fortune US $5.00
|
 6 PCS Lucky Maneki neko Figures Mobile Phone Charms US $.99
|
 Maneki Neko Japanese Lucky Cat Gold 100 Made in Japan US $11.99
|
 12 X LUCKY CAT Feng Shui Bell Phone Strap Maneki Neko US $.99
|
 Maneki Neko Japanese Lucky Cat 100Made in Japan Purple US $11.99
|
 Maneki Neko Japanese Lucky Cat Black 100 Made in Japan US $11.99
|
 Maneki Neko Japanese Lucky Cat 100Made in Japan Yellow US $11.99
|
 Maneki Neko Japanese Lucky Cat 100Made in Japan White US $9.99
|
 Maneki Neko Japanese Traditional Fortune Lucky Cat L US $39.99
|
 Lovely Maneki Neko Japanese Fortune Lucky Cat YellowM US $11.99
|
 Flip Flap Solar Powered Maneki Neko Japanese Lucky Cat US $13.99
|
 Maneki Neko Japanese Traditional Fortune Lucky Cat M US $21.99
|
 Pair of Maneki Neko Japanese Fortune Lucky Cat White US $9.99
|
 Japanese chopstick Maneki Neko LuckyMoneyFortune cat US $1.85
|
 Maneki Neko BECKONING LUCKY CAT MONEY FORTUNE CAT BANK US $5.00
|
 NEKO BLACK CAT LUCKY SKULLS HALLOWEEN GREETING CARD US $.99
|
 New 8 Moving Hand Golden Maneki Neko Lucky Cat Figure US $9.99
|
 LUCKY NEKO CALICO CAT w WHITE PINOT WINE GREETING CARD US $.99
|
 LUCKY NEKO CALICO CAT w RED PINOT WINE GREETING CARD US $.99
|
 GOLD METAL FLAKE LUCKY Fortune CAT NEKO PROMO REAL HEAD US $7.99
|
 LUCKY Fortune CAT BIG NEKO TOYFEST PROMO REAL HEAD WRB US $49.99
|
| Powered by phpBay Pro |
|
Maneki neko Lucky fortune Cat Waving Arm Gold Sale Price: $2.99 |
|
Battery Operated Waving Hand Feng Shui lucky cats are said to attract more active wealth chi and good luck to home/business. The one held in its right hand presents money. Its left hand up and waive to bring more good chi with battery operated... |
 |
Maneki neko Lucky fortune Cat Waving Arm White Sale Price: $2.75 |
|
Battery Operated Waving Hand Feng Shui lucky cats are said to attract more active wealth chi and good luck to home/business. The one held in its right hand presents money. Its left hand up and waive to bring more good chi with battery operated... |
 |
Japanese Maneki Neko Fortune Cat Lucky Cat White Solar Powered Waving Arm! Sale Price: $7.99 |
|
This maneki neko fortune cat is 5"H & Solar powered, works with most office or home lighting. |
 |
Classic Hardware Maneki Neko Lucky Cat Small Pill Box List Price: $17.99 Sale Price: $17.99 |
|
Small metal box perfect for carrying pills, safety pins, or other tiny items for travel or organization. Handmade in the USA. 1 1/2 in x 1 1/2 in x 1/2 in. |
 |
* CAT * 3D Zodiac Animal Bookmark VANCA Craft JAPAN Petit Mascot Leather Mini List Price: $16.00 Sale Price: $12.50 |
|
The Bookmarkers for the animal-lovers of the world!We have 16 kinds of Mini Zodiac Animal Bookmarkers.Length: 9 1/2" (24 cm)Animal Head: 3/4" to 1"(2 cm to 2.54cm) |
 |
Maneki Neko Japanese Lucky Cat Belt Buckle List Price: $18.95 Sale Price: $17.95 |
|
From Mobtown Chicago's Kid's Nightmare Collection - Maneki Neko Japanese Lucky Cat Belt Buckle. Fits standard 1-3/4 inch removable belt buckle belts or smaller. |
 |
Mini 3D Zodiac Animal Key chains * CAT * VANCA Craft Petit Mascot Leather List Price: $19.00 Sale Price: $12.80 |
|
The key chains for the cat-lovers of the world!We have 22 kinds of Mini Zodiac Animal key chains.Split Key Ring Diameter: 1"Can be remove from Key Ring use as Zipper-Pull or attached to your purse etc... |
 |
Feng Shui Maneki Neko Lucky Cat Money Piggy Bank White List Price: $12.00 Sale Price: $6.50 Average Rating:  |
|
Dimensions: 4 1/2 "H x 4" W In Asia, these happy lucky cats are a popular traditional symbol of prosperity, good fortune and protection. The cats raised paw will beckon good fortune into your home. In Japan, these cats are called maneki neko, literally meaning beckoning cat... |
