2023 Year-End Letter
Last year at this time, the captain of our Antarctic Cruise ship, SH Vega, was calmly trying to navigate the treacherous waters of the Drake Passage. We were in the grips of the “Drake Shake”, on our return trip from a wonderful time on Antarctica, and quickly losing “ground” as we battled the fierce conditions that pushed us backward more than propelled us forward. Many passengers were below decks, feeling a bit seasick. I was at the right place at the right time in the 7th level upper lounge, when a rogue wave towered over the top of the ship. There was a spontaneous gasp as we watched it through the floor to ceiling windows, felt it, and then road it out in awed silence, holding on to whatever we could grab.
The relentless crashing waves delayed our return and it became apparent that we would all be missing our return flights home. After safely returning to Argentina a day late, getting our land legs back, scrambling to find available last-minute flights on December 31; we made our connections and spent an unconventional New Year’s Eve soaring over the vastness of who-knows-where.
Despite the challenges, the tumultuous passage and unexpected turn of events created an unforgettable last chapter of 2022.