29 Comments
Jul 12Liked by Lois Thomson Bowersock

Awesome funride of an adventure story. Somehow, after reading all the terrifying details and watching the video, part of me wants to go on the scrambler, even though I know I'd get massively seasick. I'm sure that funseeking spirit would be tamed right after the first big wave, though.

Thanks for the read!

Cheers

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Gonzo, you’d have a wonderful time crossing the Drake. Take Auntie M with you, and she can give you some strange concoction to prevent seasickness. You’ll have the trip of a lifetime.

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Jul 12Liked by Lois Thomson Bowersock

Have you read The Wager? I got sick just reading this post.

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I haven't read The Wager. I just looked it up, and it sounds like a very interesting book. I'll check it out. It boggles my mind that a ship in 1741 could go around Cape Horn. Those sailors must have been tough as nails! Thanks for telling me about it. Sorry, my post made you sick, Bev. Lol!

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Jul 12Liked by Lois Thomson Bowersock

I’m a weakling. But can you imagine trying that in the 1700s??? Unbelievable

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No, I certainly can not. I can’t imagine ever doing it again! I think I used up my good fortune to avoid seasickness. Once in a lifetime was enough for me.

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Jul 12Liked by Lois Thomson Bowersock

A superb journey - thanks for bringing us along! Also very interesting… I knew the Drake was treacherous but had little context.

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You and me both, Scott. Perhaps ignorance was bliss? I found out the worst of it when it was behind me. It was a trip to remember!

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Jul 28Liked by Lois Thomson Bowersock

Another terrific adventure story - a 106-mile long iceberg - wow!

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Jul 19Liked by Lois Thomson Bowersock

Gripping tale and fascinating info about the Drake Passage and icebergs. You're very brave and intrepid, especially as you suffered from seasickness like me.

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You understand exactly the chance I took! I was very fortunate to avoid getting seasick. I guarantee you that was my one and only trip to Antarctica as I wouldn’t want to put it to the test a second time. Thank you for your kind words, Hamish.

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The video and maps helped me visualize the sheer immensity of those waves. It was an adventure at the far-side of the world. Thanks for sharing Lois!

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I’m so glad you looked at the video, Daniel. Lots of readers skip the video and they miss seeing and experiencing the full magnitude of the Drake Passage’s waves.

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Jul 14Liked by Lois Thomson Bowersock

On our list of future adventures.

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Jul 14Liked by Lois Thomson Bowersock

Oh what an excellent adventure and post, Lois! OMG! Simply amazing. And I guess the 'unexpected' this time was that you did not get seasick? haha. Great details, great and exciting story and fab photos. Thanks for the armchair adventure!

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I happy you enjoyed it Jeanine. The whole trip was unexpected. I went to Ushuaia to attend Spanish language school and went to Antarctica instead. I couldn’t resist the opportunity.

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Jul 14Liked by Lois Thomson Bowersock

Seize the moment!! Fabulous! And love the title, if only for the aliteration! Dreaded Drake indeed.

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Jul 13Liked by Lois Thomson Bowersock

Wow, what an adventure! Perhaps it was too much of a rollercoaster, too violent, to trigger your seasickness? I know many who suffer complain about the *slow* rolling of the ship. Maybe if that gets cranked up to 11 it doesn't affect the brain the same way?

Yes, I watched video as instructed! 😄

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I think the video adds a lot to it. It was an excellent video as it showed exactly what my voyage was like - not too much or too little. Still, only 10% of the readers viewed the video. I’m happy you watched it, Wyrd. :)

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Jul 12Liked by Lois Thomson Bowersock

Holy Cats, the sound of that ship creaking and groaning seems so creepy and unnerving that even the most stoic among us would be screaming inside, silently waiting for the vessel to break in two! you didn't get sick because you were in survival mode. You are one strong woman if there ever was one. Thank you for the great article.

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You should have heard what it sounded like from the deck below! The sound of the waves pounding against the ship was added to the creaking and groaning. It wouldn’t be a good place for a nervous person to be.

I was either strong or crazy. I’m not sure which one.

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Jul 12Liked by Lois Thomson Bowersock

Keep those wonderful stories coming and may you'd blessed life continue to be adventurous, pleasant and fun. 🙏💪🌞🌎

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Jul 12Liked by Lois Thomson Bowersock

*your*

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Lord Have Mercy. Sea sick once, worse than alcohol, and a definite party pooper on any trip. Glad you made it :)

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Thank you, Jean-Baptiste. I wanted to go to Antarctica, so it was a chance I had to take. Never underestimate the power of prayer!

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Do it!!!! God is good!

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Awesome report! We experienced a bit of that once after first experiencing what the Captain said was the calmest he had ever seen Cape Horn, but then ALL HELL broke loose!

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Ah, you shared some of the wild Drake experience with me. At least you got to see Cape Horn. Those are some outrageously wild waters, aren’t they?

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Loved this series, Lois! Brings back a lot of memories of my own passage through the tempestuous Drake. Yeah, imagine going through it in a wooden ship.

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