Daniel Korzeniewski Travel Photography

View Original

Bound to Antarctica: Photography Journey from Usuahia Aboard the Greg Mortimer

Hi again, everyone. I am finally ready to share the next chapter of my journey from the world's edge in Ushuaia to the awe-inspiring expanse of Antarctica. If you caught my last post, you know I was gearing up for an epic adventure aboard the Greg Mortimer, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint!

Final Moments in Ushuaia

The day of departure was a whirlwind of anticipation and sheer excitement. We woke up early, and to my surprise, it was snowing; the air was crisp and cold, with a hint of the sea, and the snowflakes falling gently added a touch of magic to the morning.  I enjoyed a lazy morning, a great breakfast, and the hotel spa. 

We made our way to the dock in the early afternoon, the refreshing air of Ushuaia adding to our already high spirits. Stepping onto the Greg Mortimer was a moment of pure joy. This was a moment I had envisioned for so long; the trip of my life, which I had waited for so long, was finally becoming a reality. 

The reception on the Greg Mortimer was warm and inviting, a perfect start to what was about to be an unforgettable adventure. The ship itself was fantastic, with its modern design and state-of-the-art facilities. My room was ideal—immaculate, cozy, and equipped with a workspace and a balcony that offered stunning views. If you ever go to Antarctica, try to book a cabin with a balcony on the Greg Mortimer. Not only will you have fantastic views throughout the entire trip, but it is also a fantastic photography platform. 

But, as they say, life is full of surprises. At the afternoon briefing, we were informed of a plan change: the weather was too turbulent to cross the Drake Passage, and we would have to spend an extra night in Ushuaia and try again the following day. While initially disappointing, this unexpected turn of events allowed me to explore this enchanting town more deeply. After spending the first night in the Greg Mortimer, still docked in Ushuaia, I roamed the streets, capturing the charm of Ushuaia, and even visited the intriguing Prison Museum. I took only one camera with me this morning, the Fuji GFX 100s and the Fuji GF 45-100mm lens.

Departure to Antarctica

Back on the Greg Mortimer, the captain finally gave the go-ahead, and we set sail that afternoon. The journey through the Beagle Channel was a breathtaking experience. The channel, flanked by the Argentinean and Chilean majestic mountains, was a mere glimpse of the vastness of Antarctica that awaited us. 

During this time, I captured great photographs from the ship deck using the Fuji X-H2 and the Fuji XF 100-400mm lens.

For those following this journey, I've documented these moments in a detailed vlog on my YouTube channel. It captures the beauty of these places and the unexpected twists that made this trip even more memorable.

I hope this post has given you a glimpse into the start of my Antarctic expedition. The journey was filled with unexpected turns, breathtaking vistas, and unforgettable experiences, setting the stage for the incredible adventure that awaited us in Antarctica. 

Stay tuned for my next post, where I'll share more about our encounters with the icy wilderness and its inhabitants.

As always, I am eager to hear your thoughts and experiences. Have you ever been to Antarctica, or is it still on your bucket list? Share your comments below, and let's continue this adventure together!

Please share your comments below, and let's continue this adventure together!