2009 I'm sailing with the historic tall ship Bark Europa to Antarctica.
The route went from the southern tip of South America to Capes Horn over to the Antarctic.
That was definitely one of the most beautiful and extraordinary journeys
I've ever done - it was just fantastic.

The landscapes in the Antarctica are very impressive. There is almost no vegetation there,
only a few ground lichens. The landscape is very rough and originally - large black
Rocks / mountains with glaciers and huge icebergs. And then the silence that is very
impressive.

Animals we have seen, of course, many - several types of penguins, various species of seals,
leopard seals, elephant seals, albatrosses and many humpback whales.

That there are many photos, I'll show them in several parts here. I hope you like the photos

Our ship, the Bark Europa in front of a glacier


High swell at the crossing - the Drake Passage


Paradise Bay - one of the most beautiful landscapes


Icebergs as big as an island


A colony of penguins and the Tallship in the background

[charliezap]

Very nice photos Jan.It takes a special person to do that type of adventure.My hat's off to you.---charliezap

[Bob Harris]

A trip of a lifetime, fantastic photography! I want more...

[usn ret]

Very nice Jan, I am like Bob, I want more..pics that is.. In Jan 1969 I was onboard the USS Intrepid crossings from the Pacific to the Atlantic. With all the horror stories I have heard about coming around the Horn and the expectant rough weather was rather mild with only a gentle swell. It was cold though. We had more severe weather going around the Horn of Africa as we had blue water coming over the bow. Considering the size of an aircraft carrier, the sea makes one feel somewhat insignificant and powerless.........Great photos and thanks for posting, let us see more. Cliff

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Last edited by usn ret; 01-14-2012 at 02:40 PM.

[tessfully]

Wow! Exciting, interesting and skillful images. I love the story that goes with these. I cannot say enough ... each one is magical in its own way. thank you so much for posting!!!!!!!!

[usn ret]

Jan, I just checked out the Antarctic album for the rest of the cruise photos. Those are some great pics and an adventure of a lifetime. Thanks for posting.....Cliff

[Corros]

Wow! Your camera was lucky to be able to make these shots!

[cmohr]

Wow, Thank you for sharing these.

[Cee Cee]

Its been said before but ... Wow! .... they're all great but I love that Iceberg shot

cheers

[Sailor]

Wow - now that's a voyage. Far different from putting around Galveston Bay in a 30-ft production sloop, like I do. You've got my admiration - for both your pluck and your pictures.

Jer

[captainbert]

Holey moley they are seriously impressive and indeed tis the trip of a lifetime no doubt! Bravo my friend.

[tpg2]

I have to say it too, WOW! Great shots...keep 'em coming!

[Scottnorwo]

wow super shots. what an adventure

[mtkams]

Fantastic! Wow! Please post more. These are sights very few of us will ever see in person--thanks for sharing

[iFoto]

thank you very much

Part 2
I've read that some of the early explorers were so fascinated by the power of landscape and nature,
that they have missed the last time for quite a time trip and so had to spend the winter in Antarctica.
It is very hard to describe but in view of this nature makes you feel very close to the creation of our world.
The landscape is rough, harsh, brutal and yet so beautiful.

There are virtually no Vergetation - only volcanic rocks, mountains, ice and snow.