I want to catch it while I can

DREAM ADVENTURE NUMBER FIVE: visit Antarctica

One of my life goals is to set foot on every continent; including Antarctica. They're quite expensive but the fact that so few people have ever set foot on our southern ice cap adds to the appeal. I can only imagine (until I get to visit) the snow covered mountains and giant icebergs. Researching arctic cruises. the best time to go is November to March (the arctic summer in which there is usually 20+ hours of daylight per day, average temperature between 20 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit) and they normally take anywhere between 10 days to the grandest tour around the whole South Pole taking 3 weeks. Average price is between $8,000 to $10,000 for a 10 day to 2 week cruise.

I want to go there to see all the whales, seals and penguins living in their natural UNDISTURBED habitat. It's scary to think that with global warming their habitat is diminishing at a quicker rate that years before.

They more expensive cruise is a 6000 mile trip that circumnavigates around the whole continent of Antarctica (from Argentina to New Zealand) but most of the trips to this winter wonderland leave from South America.

It's scary to think that it may not be around for too many generations past mine...

November & Early December (Late Spring / Early Summer)

	Winter pack ice is starting to melt and break up. The scenery is white, clean and pristine with pack ice and giant icebergs.
	Courting season for penguins and seabirds � see spectacular courtship rituals.
	Seals visible on fast ice.
	Spring wildflowers in the Falklands and South Georgia.
	Elephant and fur seals establish their breeding territories.

Mid-December and January (Mid Summer)

	Normally Antarctica's warmest months.
	Longer days create great light conditions and fabulous photo opportunities at midnight.
	Antarctic chicks hatch.
	South Georgia and the Falklands � first penguin chicks emerge and fur seals are breeding.
	Seal Pups visible on South Georgia and the Falklands.
	Receding ice allows for more exploration.

February and March (Late Summer)

	Whale sightings are at their best.
	Penguin chicks start to fledge.
	Receding pack ice allows ships to explore further south.
	More fur seals in the Antarctic Peninsula.

http://www.coolantarctica.com/Travel/antarctica_travel_home.htm