VENTflash #119 March 04, 2011
Posted by Victor Emanuel
Victor Emanuel
Victor Emanuel started birding in Texas 64 years ago at the age of eight. His travels have taken him to all the continents, with his areas of concentration being Texas, Ari...Dear Friends,
Every so often during a meal on a VENT tour, a bird or mammal is sighted that is so exciting that it causes the dining room to empty! This phenomenon was most recently experienced by participants on our just-completed Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology Chairman's Council trip to the Pico Bonito Lodge in Honduras. We were eating breakfast one morning when one of the lodge guides entered the dining room with the extraordinary news that a Spectacled Owl had been discovered in a tree just outside the reception area! As we poured through the lobby en masse and down the front steps, we quickly found this striking and huge bird of prey being mobbed by more than 20 Brown Jays. As we looked on, we noticed that it was gripping a Central American woolly opossum in its talons, the apparent spoils of an early morning hunting foray. Eventually a Keel-billed Toucan joined the jays in harassing the owl. What a wonderful way to start a day of birding.
In this issue:
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS CRUISE
ANTARCTICA: THE GREATEST TRIP IN THE WORLD
CLOSING THOUGHTS
The Galapagos Islands and Antarctica are remarkable destinations that feature some of the planet's greatest wildlife spectacles. Limited space is still available on both of these superb voyages.
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS CRUISE
Only four spaces remain available on our summer cruise to the Galapagos Islands, July 18–27, 2011.
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Isabela II— Photo: Ramiro Salazar |
For this departure to the timeless Galapagos, we have reserved space aboard the 40-passenger Isabela II, one of the loveliest ships operating there. Following an itinerary that promises visits to the most important islands—Española, Fernandina, Floreana, Genovesa, Isabella, Santa Cruz, and Santiago—we will be in position to see the wildlife for which these islands are so famous, including Galapagos Penguins, Flightless Cormorants, Waved Albatrosses, Red-billed Tropicbirds, Darwin's finches, Galapagos fur seals, giant tortoises, marine iguanas, lava lizards, and much more.
The Isabela II is among the highest quality vessels available for a Galapagos Islands cruise. Spacious outside cabins feature private bathrooms and air-conditioning; the yacht's three decks offer plenty of public space including a bar, library, lounge, dining room, and sun deck.
I have made many trips to the Galapagos Islands and consider it among my favorite places to visit. I know you will feel the same.
Galapagos Islands Cruise, July 18–27, 2011 with Michael O'Brien and Louise Zemaitis; cabins start at $5,600 in double occupancy from Quito.
ANTARCTICA: THE GREATEST TRIP IN THE WORLD
A few spaces remain available on our voyage to Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falkland Islands, December 26, 2011–January 16, 2012. Teaming with Zegrahm Expeditions, we have reserved an allotment of cabins on the Clipper Adventurer, which I regard as the best ship for such a trip. This cruise will be led by Dion Hobcroft, one of VENT's most popular leaders, while international seabird expert Peter Harrison headlines a first-rate Zegrahm staff. Because VENT must release its unsold cabins on March 15, I urge you to reserve one of our remaining cabins soon!
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King Penguins at South Georgia— Photo: Greg Lasley |
My dear friend and mentor, the late Roger Tory Peterson, told me that his voyages to Antarctica were the best trips he had ever taken. He loved the White Continent so much that he traveled there over 30 times. With my first voyage to Antarctica in November 1986, I understood why Roger had such a strong attachment to that part of the world. Over the past 25 years I have been to Antarctica a dozen times and have come to feel, as Roger did, that it is truly the best trip in the world.
So why is Antarctica so special? First of all, it is the wildlife. Unsurpassed seabirding opportunities are exemplified through the sights of 30 or more Cape Petrels flying around the ship, giant albatrosses gliding through the wake on outstretched 11-foot wings, and a dazzling assortment of other albatrosses, petrels, prions, shearwaters, and storm-petrels encountered daily. Ashore, seven species of penguins greet the visitor, highlighted by vast colonies of King Penguins containing tens of thousands of birds. Fur seals and elephant seals pack the beaches and grassy uplands while a host of whales and dolphins are seen with frequency at sea.
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Antarctic Fur Seals— Photo: Michael O'Brien |
Second, there is the scenery. Huge icebergs carved by wind and water form seascapes of raw, unforgettable beauty. Soaring mountains on South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula are crowned with permanent snow, while icy bays are ringed by ancient, cracked glaciers.
Finally, there is the history of the exploration of Antarctica, with tales of adventure like none other in the world. You will travel in the footsteps of Ernest Shackleton and see some of the remarkable sights that caused him and other explorers to return again and again to this land at the end of the earth.
Making the VENT trip stand out from others is the fact that our itinerary also includes the Falkland Islands and South Georgia Island. While the Antarctic Peninsula intuitively attracts the most attention, it is the Falklands and South Georgia that actually host most of the region's wildlife, not to mention extraordinary scenic marvels. Most trips to Antarctica that are offered by other companies do not visit either of these other wonderful locations.
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Royal Bay Glacier, South Georgia— Photo: Doug Hanna |
A first-rate itinerary, ship, destination, and staff, combined with spectacular scenery and wildlife, will assure you that this trip, perhaps more than any other, really is the trip of a lifetime.
Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falklands, Dec 26, 2011–Jan 16, 2012 with Dion Hobcroft; cabins start at $15,980 in double occupancy from Buenos Aires.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
With Texas lying so far south, spring definitely arrives early in Austin. One of the surest signs of early spring, redbuds are in bloom all over the city. Further, I know that we are now only a few days from the arrival of the first Golden-cheeked Warblers of the season.
Regardless of where you live, I hope that you too will see signs of spring in the not too distant future.
Best wishes,
Victor Emanuel