Did you do it? If you know me……
Once in a lifetime opportunity in the most remote place in the entire world, HELL YES!
The build up was more excruciating than the actual plunge into the abyss at the elusive Deception Island. After a near perfect Drake Passage crossing, we equally enjoyed 4 days of 2 excursions each to explore the iceberg lined narrow passageways of northwestern Antarctica. The weather was so cooperative that we were treated to extra time onshore and navigated areas rarely seen in the short tourist season. We had fully expected and mentally prepared to dive in on day 3, but our extended jaunts in the zodiacs pushed our jump back another day.
So after summiting the eerily black and red tinted volcano just as the thick cloud cover gave way, we bounded down to our vessel gently floating in the protected bay far below. We were called down by cabin to the mud room, where we were greeted with blaring 80s music and a shot of whiskey! Half of the 129 passengers summoned up the courage to strip down into just bathing suits and brave the brutal waters. Once in a lifetime right?! 100%. And we were told the water temps here were at least 10 degrees warmer than the open waters from yesterday, so I took any little bit of reprieve as a win.
Stepping up to the steel tight outer door with a glimpse of terror in my eyes, I was strapped to a thick tether before promptly being summoned down the 5 steps to the side platform. Without time to second guess, the 2 crew counted 3, 2, 1…….
I screamed bloody murder and braced for impact. My toes hit the water first and sheer panic settled in. I fought to resurface quickly and escape from this madness. After slipping twice on the icy steps, I was pulled out into a warm bathrobe in less than 10 seconds and back within the safe confines of the ship. My internal temperature regulated quickly and, just like that, another bucket list adventure had been conquered. And I have to admit, it wasn’t THAT bad!!!
FearlessAdventures 