Back on Solid Ground

In Nikki's most recent e-mail update she was apologetic about the infrequent posts over the lat 18 days but reports that they are back on solid ground in Ushuaia, Argentina.  Nikki says that what they saw and experienced paddling in South Georgia and Antarctica still has not really sunk in.

The following is directly from Nikki's most recent e-mail:

We had incredible weather and the staff and crew of One Ocean Expeditions were top-notch.  The wildlife was absolutely spectacular, the scenery stunning and the food provided by our chef Mark Esguerra was great (if you are in Toronto check out his restaurant SMASH Kitchen & Bar).

Chinstrap Penguins

Juvenile Elephant Seal.  Photo Nikki Rekman

Paddling with penguins of numerous varieties (King, Gentoo, Adelie and Chin-Strap), fur seals, elephant seals, crab eater seals, different species of Albatross and a plethora of other seabirds was outstanding.  Throw in more ice and snow than I have ever seen and well, you start to get the picture.   

Mark kayaking with the penguins-Antarctic Peninsula.  Photo by Nikki Rekman

During all our time on the water we were kept warm, comfortable and dry compliments of Kokatat Watersports Wear.  I have never needed to layer up quite like this before!  The Power Dry Drysuit Liners were coveted by fellow paddlers and when used in conjunction with my Woolcore I was one happy paddler.   One Ocean Expeditions keeps all their kayaking guests dry and safe in Kokatat Drysuits and PFD's.  These guys provide only the best gear and we are very proud to have represented Kokatat Watersports Wear, Werner Paddles and Seals Sprayskirts and Accessories in one of the most amazing places to paddle in the world.


A more thorough report will be posted when we return!   
-Nikki

I think that it goes without saying that Nikki thanks One Oceans Expeditions and her kayak guides, Mark Scriver and Sophie Ballagh.

Kayak guide and good friend, Mark Scriver.  Photo by Nikki Rekman

Kayak guide Sophie Ballagh- one of the best guides we have ever worked with and we know some of the industry's best.  Photo by Mark Klein

Hello from the South Atlantic

      Nikki is doing her best to keep us up to date of her Antarctic Journey and as her e-mails are being sent via Satellite phone there are no pictures to report.  This is what she's been up to so far.

      Other than being "incapacitated by sea sickness on the first full day at sea" and "appropriately medicated ever since" Nikki Reports that things are great. First, a visit to the Falkland Islands to take in the amazing wildlife including "beautiful sea birds, black browed albatross, pintados and even our first penguins, the rockhoppers on West Point Island".  Here Nikki and Mark also enjoyed tea and baked goodies with the local couple that live on the island. Next, to the town of Stanley to take in the history at a couple of Museum's.  Unfortunately, the paddling excursion planned for this portion of the trip was cancelled due to high wind but,  Nikki figures they had "13 more days to keep trying".

 They have arrived in South Georgia after 2 full days at sea.  In her own words, Nikki states "Kayaking this a.m. was unfreaking believable!   We paddled in Elsehul Bay and the wildlife was insane!  Elephant seals, King penguins, Gentoo penguins and fur seals and of course albatross.   And we just saw our first iceberg!"

We are looking forward to the week 2 Report.  Stay tuned.

Laura Demers

Let the Epic Adventure Begin!

Well, I have no idea if I will have the opportunity to make posts to the blog while I am away but I will do my very best.  I still need to do a bit of research about how best to do that but heck I still have a few more hours.

Don't forget to check out our friends at One Ocean Expeditions who are actually making this trip possible and start saving your pennies now because Antarctica is not always going to look like it does...full of snow and ice.  I have a feeling this trip is going to make a big impact on me and further reinforce why we need to accept that Climate Change IS happening and that our actions need to reflect that understanding NOW.

The route

Trip of a Lifetime - Antarctica

I still, can hardly believe it, but when the opportunity arose for Mark and I to take a trip to Antarctica well, we jumped at it.

We are super stoked to be heading out with One Ocean Expeditions.  I started working with Aaron and Cathy Lawton when I first started repping...way back when.  They are a premier outfitter using only the best gear in the business.  Equipment is supplied by Kokatat Watersports Wear, Werner Paddles, Seals Sprayskirts and others.

This winter we fly from Vancouver via Dallas to Buenos Aires to a small city on the southern tip of Argentina called, Ushuaia.  It is commonly referred to as the most southern city in the world.

In Ushuaia we will board the Russian vessel, Akademik Ioffe for our One Ocean Expeditions - Antarctica adventure.

On this particular trip we will spend 18 NIGHTS / 19 DAYS with stops in the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, the South Shetland Archipelago and finally Antarctica.

We chose this trip with One Ocean Expeditions because we hope to do (weather permitting - it is Antarctica remember) what we love most - paddling and what a magnificent place this will be to visit and paddle in!  The crew has paddled over 3,000 nautical miles in Antarctica so who better to introduce to us and many others, such a magical paddling locale.

The opportunities to be active on this trip are endless; hiking, paddling, snowshoeing and more.  Armchair adventurer's no longer - YOU can experience this very adventure yourself.  Check out One Ocean Expeditions and if that does not convince you, keep watching our blog for trip updates and Coast and Kayak Magazine for a future trip report.

Kayaking with guide, Mark Scriver photo: Gabe Rogel

You can check out our last trip report, paddling down the Grand Canyon, in Coast and Kayak Magazine's Spring 2011 issue HERE.

And remember...DO EPIC SHIT!!!  THIS one's going to be epic and we are counting down the days.