The End of the World & The Beginning of a New One – My Journey to Antarctica

Posted on February 1, 2015 by lesleycarter

Antarctica was everything I envisioned it would be. It was the most dramatic landscape with unique, unexpected experiences daily. There is so much I want to share with you and so many photos that I wish I could just post it all in one day but I’m going to try to pace myself. I’ll start at the end of the world, Ushuaia and bring you on a fantastical journey to Antarctica and back aboard tall ship, Bark Europa.

I felt ill-prepared when I arrived. How did I get here? Will I be helpful or a total mess? This is what shapes character and changes a person forever. You could argue that every moment in our life changes us, but there are some moments so great and different from anything we’ve ever experienced, that we can never go back to unknowing. They are benchmarks that leave us with extra pieces to fit into our hearts and our eyes for you now have more colors and shapes and sounds that you never thought existed.

The day had finally come to step foot on Bark Europa and begin my journey to Antarctica. I couldn’t even see Europa from the dock. She was sitting between two tankers and looked tiny in comparison. When I reached her, I was awe struck with her beauty.

Check in was scheduled for 5 pm but I’m incapable of being on time, which doesn’t mean that I’m late. I’m always early for everything and this was no exception. I showed up at 4 o’clock and was welcomed on board by one of the crew. I was the first trainee so I was able to watch as all of the others came on board. In total, there were 32 trainees. Most people walked on the ship with a spouse so I flocked to the other single travelers. I quickly established a small group of people that I could see myself hanging out with during the trip. One guy, Andy, and I both giggled like school girls as we talked about climbing the rigging, seeing wildlife, and hitting the open ocean. A few others joined us who are interesting as well. I loved hearing the stories of travel and adventure. Most trainees had a lifetime of stories to tell. I only remembered a few names on the first day but I had three weeks to ask questions and learn more.

We left port at 6 am. Making our way to the fueling station, I stood on deck and marveled at the majestic ocean waves starting to take shape before us. I had only slept for a couple hours but I owed it to myself to get up and see Ushuaia off. The mountains had a fresh coat of snow and the air was crisp. We motored out of port so the sails had not yet been set. This was just the beginning of 22 days at sea.

Without Bark Europa, Whitecaps Marine, and Pilotur, this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity wouldn’t have been possible.

71 thoughts on “The End of the World & The Beginning of a New One – My Journey to Antarctica”

janstring on February 1, 2015 at 9:07 am said:

I have been so looking forward to your return and hearing about your experiences and journey Lesley. I cannot wait to hear and see more about it. Your writing is starting to shape the experience. I look forward to more… 🙂

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- lesleycarter on February 2, 2015 at 4:33 am said:
  
  Thank you! I missed seeing your little profile picture 🙂
  
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Very Bangled on February 1, 2015 at 9:09 am said:

So cool! In both senses of the word

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- lesleycarter on February 2, 2015 at 4:33 am said:
  
  Yep, much different from my usual warm destinations.
  
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eemoxam on February 1, 2015 at 9:16 am said:

I’ve been waiting for this one!

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ibdesignsusa on February 1, 2015 at 9:19 am said:

I have also been looking forward to your return. I can see that this would be a life-changing experience. Can’t wait to see pictures and the story of your journey!!!

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- lesleycarter on February 2, 2015 at 4:35 am said:
  
  Not only is the destination unbelievable, but the entire experience was magical. I have been writing the entire trip so I wouldn’t forget the small, daily things that blew my mind. 🙂
  
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  - ibdesignsusa on February 2, 2015 at 9:44 am said:
    
    Sounds so wonderful, Lesley. Good idea on writing it all down. Can’t wait to hear about it!
    
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Cheryl "Cheffie Cooks" Wiser on February 1, 2015 at 9:20 am said:

Lesley, so happy to share this through your eyes and lenses! Cheryl

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- lesleycarter on February 4, 2015 at 8:54 pm said:
  
  I have SO much to share that I don’t know if I’ll be able to put it all into posts. I’d be writing all year. I’ll try to include all of the highlights though. Narrowing it down will be difficult. 🙂
  
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  - Cheryl "Cheffie Cooks" Wiser on February 5, 2015 at 7:53 am said:
    
    Lesley, I believe anything you decide to share will be great as it was an adventure of a lifetime. As you share with us it is a journal as well for Athena. Best wishes always, Your Florida Bud. Cheryl.
    
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michaelbencik on February 1, 2015 at 9:38 am said:

Loved Ushuaia, sadly when my brother and I tried to get on one of the ships for Antartica as dishwashers we were unsuccessful. Heres a bit I wrote on that lovely place.
http://michaelbencik.org/2014/12/18/seventh-day-of-the-holidays-argentina/
I can’t wait to hear more about your trip.

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Let's CUT the Crap! on February 1, 2015 at 9:40 am said:

A friend of mine did a tall ship working holiday but she didn’t tell us much. I can’t wait to hear about your adventures. 😀

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John Love on February 1, 2015 at 9:46 am said:

I was reading out loud to my wife, came to the last sentence and she was not happy. We are eagerly awaiting more of this adventure!

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- lesleycarter on February 4, 2015 at 8:58 pm said:
  
  Thank you! I have more than a hundred pages of writing about this trip so the difficult part is stopping or figuring out what to include. Lots more to come 🙂
  
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John Love on February 1, 2015 at 9:51 am said:

Reblogged this on The Love Chronicles and commented:
This is the beginning of a new adventure that will come in parts, so don’t miss out!

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aheikkinen on February 1, 2015 at 10:27 am said:

Welcome back. I, as all the others, have been looking forward to your first post when back from the adventure. It’s going to be so interesting to read more and see more pictures 🙂

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allinthedayofme on February 1, 2015 at 10:53 am said:

Well, you whet my appetite with this first post! I can’t wait for more! I’m so excited for you! Darrin has got to be the best husband ever to let you go on this adventure without him! 😉

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kcsaling on February 1, 2015 at 11:29 am said:

SO looking forward to seeing how your adventure went! This is such a great way to adventure, not just seeing the beauty of Antarctica but learning crew responsibilities as well – I can’t wait until we save up enough time and money to try this ourselves!

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gotmeghan on February 1, 2015 at 12:05 pm said:

So cool! 🙂

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Zipporah on February 1, 2015 at 12:06 pm said:

I would love to go to Antarctica! What an amazing journey you will never forget

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Allan G. Smorra on February 1, 2015 at 12:39 pm said:

Welcome back. I am looking forward to reading all about your journey.

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Jane Lurie on February 1, 2015 at 12:40 pm said:

How exciting, Lesley! Have a wonderful trip and looking forward to more stories.

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mishunderstood on February 1, 2015 at 2:33 pm said:

Hoping this is only part one of many posts! Can’t wait to hear more. 🙂

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Nandito Silaen on February 1, 2015 at 3:46 pm said:

Have a nice trip :)! Still wait more stories.

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Bonnie Radcliffe on February 1, 2015 at 3:50 pm said:

Wow, this looks so beautiful and I’m SO desperate to go to Antarctica! Cant wait to read and see more… How did you arrange your trip? Looks genuinely incredible!

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Crystal M. Trulove on February 1, 2015 at 4:36 pm said:

I can hardly wait to hear the rest! Welcome back!

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Zezee on February 1, 2015 at 5:02 pm said:

I love the photos, especially the one with the mountains in the background. Can’t wait to read what happens next.

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Judy on February 1, 2015 at 5:49 pm said:

The photos are certainly starting to trigger excitement regarding your future posts about your trip to Antarctica, and when reading your words I am looking forward to the pictures you paint with them also.

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healingpilgrim on February 1, 2015 at 6:25 pm said:

Lesley, what you wrote about those extra pieces that fit into our hearts and eyes.. more colors and shapes…unable to go back to unknowing.. that resonates SO much with me. Can’t wait to read more about your adventures at sea 😉

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zenschoolforcreatives on February 1, 2015 at 6:35 pm said:

Colours, shapes and sounds…they are everywhere and so much to take in! Thank you Lesley for a fantastic post about places most of us may not get to! 🙂

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de Wets Wild on February 1, 2015 at 6:38 pm said:

Really looking forward to your stories from Antarctica!

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Sue Slaght on February 1, 2015 at 6:55 pm said:

Lesley I have thought of you often this month. Can’t wait to hear more!

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Mountainstroh (Tony) on February 1, 2015 at 10:25 pm said:

Can’t wait to know all that happened! Welcome home and great pictures

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northmelbournemum on February 1, 2015 at 11:55 pm said:

Can’t wait for more!

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DanutM on February 2, 2015 at 4:01 am said:

Reblogged this on Persona and commented:
Here is the story of Lesley Carter’s fabulous trip to Antarctica.

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gfchopstix on February 2, 2015 at 4:51 am said:

Beautiful photos. Looking forward to reading more about your adventure!

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kellisamson on February 2, 2015 at 5:35 am said:

I’ve been anxiously awaiting your return so I could see your pictures and read about your adventure! Keep ’em coming!

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smiller257 on February 2, 2015 at 5:49 am said:

I can hardly wait to hear the rest of the story!

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corythestumpf on February 2, 2015 at 7:24 am said:

Great stuff so far! Looking forward I reading more about it!

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mvschulze on February 2, 2015 at 9:48 am said:

I’m going to enjoy this. M 🙂

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Sammy on February 2, 2015 at 9:56 am said:

Your pictures are gorgeous! What an awesome adventure. Before this, I never imagined myself ever even thinking about going to Antarctica, but now I have a desire to go. Looking forward to more. 🙂

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- lesleycarter on February 4, 2015 at 1:29 pm said:
  
  Wait until you see the actual continent. It was more beautiful than anything I’ve ever dreamed up in my life. Stay tuned 🙂
  
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chrisb-jwordsandimages on February 3, 2015 at 9:57 am said:

Wow, all agog to read the news of your trip.

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Curt Mekemson on February 3, 2015 at 3:25 pm said:

Great start Leslie. And I understand the nervous feeling. I always have it at the beginning of a new adventure where I have to master new skills. Just looking at the sailing ship with the thought I would soon be helping to sail it would give my ticker a scare. –Curt

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elPadawan on February 4, 2015 at 4:51 am said:

You set the bar very high with your first bucket list item of the year, you know? 😀

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- lesleycarter on February 4, 2015 at 1:28 pm said:
  
  I know! It’s going to be difficult to top. It was the greatest travel adventure of my life. What was your first item for 2015?
  
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  - elPadawan on February 5, 2015 at 8:40 am said:
    
    I don’t make bucket lists. Or rather, I try to make everything I do as if it was a bucket list item :D.
    
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Bill on February 4, 2015 at 5:53 am said:

That shot looking back at the mountains is amazing. Looking forward to the rest of the adventure. 🙂

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- lesleycarter on February 4, 2015 at 1:27 pm said:
  
  That was one of the first shots of the trip. Just wait until you see more! 🙂
  
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artistspromenade on February 4, 2015 at 6:49 am said:

Welcome Home Lesley, I can’t wait to see and read about your adventures in Antarctica. When I travel I’ve learned that I must write down and record each experience because you think you’ll remember every detail of an amazing experience, but sometimes the little things are forgotten. I hope your trip was fantastic and that you are glad to be home. Here in the North East, I feel like I’ve been to Antarctica for months now. 🙂

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- lesleycarter on February 4, 2015 at 1:27 pm said:
  
  I always try to keep a daily journal. So many things happened on a daily basis in Antarctica that some times daily wasn’t even enough.
  
  Are you getting bad weather? I hear that there has been lots of snowfall lately.
  
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  - artistspromenade on February 4, 2015 at 3:15 pm said:
    
    Oh Yes, we have soooo much snow that I am starting to feel like Frosty the Snowman. I live near Boston and we have had about 5 feet of snow in the past 7 days. So over it. Looking forward to reading about your trip. It sounds like an experience of a lifetime. Maybe if I was in the Caribbean I would dream about Antarctica but now it just makes me cold. Brrr! 🙂
    
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donnajeanmcdunn on February 4, 2015 at 8:52 am said:

Wow, that sounds exciting and terrifying all at the same time. I can’t wait to see more and hear more.

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- lesleycarter on February 4, 2015 at 1:25 pm said:
  
  There were parts that were more frightening than I anticipated but it was the journey of a lifetime. Lots more to come. Is Antarctica on your list?
  
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Bulldog Travels on February 4, 2015 at 9:56 pm said:

I cant wait to hear the rest of the story. I love the first photo of the ship. I have been anxious for you to come home and entertain us with stories!

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cherylsmit on February 5, 2015 at 8:39 am said:

Looking forward to seeing this through your eyes

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quirkywritingcorner on February 7, 2015 at 12:11 pm said:

Reblogged this on quirkywritingcorner and commented:
What an adventure!!

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fibreandfabrics on February 13, 2015 at 11:24 am said:

Breathtaking! What an adventure, i can’t wait to hear more!

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JohnRH on March 5, 2015 at 9:19 am said:

#PiloturBLP I like that the watch has a stop-watch that can measure up to 11H 59m 59S. Amazing!

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- lesleycarter on March 5, 2015 at 9:54 am said:
  
  I like your commitment to winning. When I look through the entries, I keep seeing your name. Don’t forget to use Twitter and Facebook too. Looking good, John 🙂
  
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  - JohnRH on March 5, 2015 at 9:58 am said:
    
    Ha ha. What is REALLY not to like about a beautiful watch?! I’m using Facebook daily but up to know I’ve always said “I email, and I text, but if I start to Tweet just shoot me!” Pleeeease don’t make me Tweet! Pleeeeease?!? (I may have to open an account just to check the competition.)
    
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    - JohnRH on March 5, 2015 at 9:59 am said:
      
      Up to now, not know. I do know how to type. REALLY.
      
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    - lesleycarter on March 5, 2015 at 10:08 am said:
      
      No need to Tweet. Just keep up the good work entering and good luck. Although it’s random, the more you enter the better your chances.
      
      🙂
      
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      - JohnRH on March 5, 2015 at 10:12 am said:
        
        Too late. You can shoot me now. (Figuratively speaking of course. It was ALWAYS just a euphemism. 🙂 )
        
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V 8 Mile on April 1, 2015 at 5:23 am said:

Love the photos, and the story— I’ve always wanted to go to Antarctica! Thanks for sharing the start of the adventure.

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