How to Find a Free Ride to Antarctica

"If your ship doesn't come in, swim out to meet it!" Jonathon Winters

No experience sailing. No contacts or leads. No knowledge on how people get to the least traveled continent. I cannot count how many people told me how hard and even impossible it is to find a free ride to Antarctica. I am a person that simply believes that anything is possible. I smiled at any doubters and told them I would find a way.

This blog post will outline how I found a free ride. This is not the only way. There are multiple ways to experience success in anything you do. So take this as advice as one way to do this. I hope it helps.

1. Decide 100% you will go.
Write this goal down with the reasons you want to go, and what you will experience if you do not reach your goal. Read it multiple times in the days, months or years leading up to the moment you leave.

2. Timing is everything.
November through March. Every year. These are summer months, and the only possible months to travel. Trips generally last three weeks on supply ships and private and charter boats. Cruise ships trips vary from a week to several weeks.

3. Decide how you want to travel.
You can find a free ride by working for one of many companies or private charters. Your main options are: private charter (sailing yacht), private boat (sailing yacht), cruise ship, supply ship and airplane.

The difficulty varies depending on where you want to go.
If you fly, you will fly to King George Island, the most touristic location that is not really considered Antarctica but the Shetland Islands.
If you work on a cruise ship, you will be on the ship the vast majority of the time, working with organized schedules and catering to an older generation. You will see much more of the Antarctic Peninsula and may step off the boat to take a small hike.
If you work on a supply ship, you will be lucky to look out a porthole window every now and again while working 12 hours a day, 7 days a week. You will likely not step off the boat.
If you work on a private or charter boat, you will have an intimate experience on many levels. You can explore places no other option can offer. You can get on and off the boat many times.
After learning about these options, it was clear to me I wanted to find work on a private or charter sailing yacht.

4. Travel to Ushuaia, Argentina and/or Puerto Williams, Chile.
Every cruise ship, private charter and boat leaves from Ushuaia or Puerto Williams. These towns have docks where all the boats stay up to a week to prepare before beginning their journey.
If you decide to fly, go to Punta Arenas, Chile. Visit DAP office to make connections to talk to a manager or anyone that is important and explain you want to exchange work for a free flight.

5. Introduce yourself to Everyone
This may be scary for some people, but it is necessary. You must introduce yourself to all the captains, managers of cruise ships and anyone who makes decisions with whether or not to hire you. Since I was determined to get on a yacht, I went to the dock at Puerto Williams and Ushuaia to talk to all the captains present.
How? I knocked on their deck. I climbed onto their boat from the dock, stood on their deck, knocked three times, and waited for someone to come outside. At this point, I simply introduced myself and asked them where they were planning to sail. I told them I planned to sail to Antarctica and I was looking to crew (work on the boat). The answer I heard from almost everyone was 'no.' I did not hear this 'no' but rather I viewed it as a numbers game. The more people I asked, the closer I would get to a 'yes.' This may be hard for you, as getting rejected is not very fun. But you must be persistent and realize their 'no' is not personal.
Since boats prepare for their trips for only several days before leaving again, this means there is movement between boats in the docks. So every couple days there are new people with whom to network. So keep going back every day! This also shows every person that sees you day after day that you are committed.

6. Be ready to go!
Sometimes a captain is in a hurry to hire a crew at the last minute. Maybe an injury, sickness or something random happens to a crew member and he is in a bind. If you are there and ready to go, you are in.
In my situation, I had a 'maybe' answer from a captain. I knew the date they planned to leave. They had two different crew members that were hoping would commit for the final spot before they could said 'yes' to me. They said they could not tell me until the day before they left, so I decided to be there, on the ground with my bags packed and a smile. Turns out the two others could not crew, and I was there. Smiling.

--Other miscellaneous tips that may help
Ask a captain for an exchange. Maybe you find other tourists that are willing to pay full price to fill their boat in exchange for a free ride. Then ask around at hostels or go to where people are entering tourist offices buying tickets on cruise ships.
Have a past manager send a recommendation letter to the captain's email address
Post flyers around Puerto Williams and Ushuaia
Be yourself!

Ushuaia Yacht Club

Puerto Williams Yacht Club

Torres Del Paine National Park and a New Job

August 22nd, 2013 

"Your intuition will tell you where you need to go; it will connect you with the people you should meet; it will guide you toward work that is meaningful to you - work that brings you joy, work that feels right for you."
Shakti Gawain

Tomorrow I will begin a several month backpack trip around Tierra del Fuego, Spanish for "Land of Fire." This archipelago is just south of the South American mainland and the border between Chile and Argentina divides the sides in half. The Strait of Magellan touches many parts of this island, which has lots of farms, plains, mountains, rivers and wildlife. I will begin my travels at a sheep farm in the northernmost part of Tierra del Fuego on the Chilean side. After this, it is a good question as to what will happen. It is winter, yet I have good gear to camp. I look forward to meeting the country people and witnessing their culture.

Talk soon.

August 13th, 2013

Funny how things work out. A month ago I decided, in my mind, to travel by boat to Antarctica. Now, it is more a reality than ever before. Keri and Greg, the couple that owns Northanger, are amazing. I spent three weeks with them preparing the sailboat to sail in November or December of this year. I also helped them move out of their house. They flew to Greenland last weekend for a fifty day trip around the north pole!

I learned a lot with Keri and Greg. Surprisingly, mostly about food. Keri is an amazing cook, and the couple eats very healthy. Simple things like eating real food, like fruits and vegetables, instead of processed food. Also to chew your food completely before swallowing, and to not speak while food is in your mouth. What a difference this makes!

I arrived to Natales yesterday, and do not have a plan as to what my next step will be. I am ready to start traveling again, and have a desire to travel around Tierra del Fuego. I have a couple months free until late November, when I will meet Keri and Greg in Punta Arenas to do final prep to the sailboat. If all goes well, I will work with them through the summer (through February).

Until then, stay tuned.

Northanger

The inside is receiving attention. Cozy though.

Whole wheat homemade delicious bread

Greg teaches me how to make bagels

Homemade whole wheat bagels!

July 21st, 2013

Tomorrow, July 22nd, I will be moving to Punta Arenas, Chile for two weeks to begin a new volunteer job. I will be working with a Canadian/New Zealand couple that has a sailboat docked in Punta Arenas for the winter. They have invited me to work with them on the sailboat in preparation for the spring and summer months when the boat, Northanger, will be at sea. I am excited to learn the skills necessary to sail, as it will further my chances of finding a way to Antarctica. Not only this, but I have the opportunity to sail to fjords and islands around Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego which few people in the world have an opportunity to see. Stay tuned for what is to happen next.

Torres Del Paine National Park

I camped four nights and trekked five days through the stunning national park of Torres Del Paine. What a beautiful place! Since now is low season in winter, I had the park almost to myself. Enjoy!

Los Cuernos Mountain Range - This is a scenic outlook on our drive to the starting point of our trek.

Los Cuernos, Paine Grande and a beautiful reflection. Every step I took, I got close to these mountains.

Glacier Grey and Lago Grey. This glacier is part of the southern ice field of Patagonia. This ice field is considered to be the second largest ice field in the world stretching 220 miles long and 6500 square miles!

Another view of Glacier Grey

Pieces of the glacier that break off float in the lagoon

Blue ice!

Shaky bridge near Camp Italiano

View from the bridge of Paine Grande, the largest mountain in the park

This picture displays the Cuernos Mountain Range taken from the infamous French Valley

Another view from the French valley

Puma paw print!!

My First Jobs and First Home!

'And the trouble is, if you don't risk anything, you risk even more.'

- Erica Jong

Hitchhiking Across the Border to Chile

I left El Calafate, Argentina and waited just outside town for a free ride. After waiting longer than I ever have, about three hours, a father and son approached me. They said they were traveling three hours to Puerto Natales across the border in Chile, which was also my destination. Nono and his son Diego drove me to the border and we crossed into Chile with no problems. I asked if they knew anyone in town that would let me camp free in their yard. They mentioned their relatives live there, and would ask to see what is possible. The relatives told Nono that I could stay at their house, as it was empty for the week. Upon arrival to Puerto Natales, Nono drove us to his mom's home, and we shared a meal and wine. We left and drove to the home where we planned to sleep. When we arrived, we were met by more friendly family members. Javier and his wife Solange shared beers and invited me to lunch the next day. Soon after, we went to bed. I did not know what would happen the following day. I could stay in Puerto Natales or continue to travel south to Punta Arenas.
The next day and Javier, Solange and their two children met me for lunch. The family and I had great conversations and we enjoyed each others company. After lunch, Javier offered me the keys to the home and said he trusted me. I was surprised, yet gratefully accepted his offer. I stayed with Javier and Solange for four days. On the fourth day, they told me I would have to leave because they had family coming in town for the weekend. That day, I checked my email and saw a message from a couchsurfing friend. She told me that she worked at a hostel in town, and they would probably be open to having an extra volunteer.

Erratic Rock Hostel

I walked in to the hostel and was friendly greeted by the staff.  After an interview that lasted only the seconds of my introduction, I was welcomed to the staff with open arms. I have been here for a week now, and it feels great to have a home. It's nice to have place where I can set my clothes on a shelf, and not have to pack my backpack everyday.
I have mingled well with the locals here. I found a place to play ping pong, as this sport is very competitive here in Puerto Natales. This region of Chile is known to train some of the best ping pong players in South America. I thought I was a good player, yet I have been embarrassed by kids half my age. It's fun to learn new techniques to play. I am trying to get on a soccer team, and have been practicing yoga daily with the owner of the hostel, Bill.
Everyone at the hostel is great. The owners, two brothers, are very generous and fun. The manager, Julie, and the two volunteers from Holland are very friendly too. I couldn't have asked for a better situation. Thank you Erratic Rock and everyone involved!

Our staff enjoys the moment at Erratic Rock Hostel

Sunrise on rooftop

May 7th, 2013
Teaching Yoga

It is a goal of mine to learn to teach yoga. I have not started for a long time because of fear of trying something new and of time concerns. I figured I would have to be fluent in Spanish to be able to teach in South America, yet I got an offer to teach when a local teacher left for the winter season.
I debated whether or not I would accept. I was nervous to teach in a foreign language, and because I've never taught a group before. After thinking about it, I realized I would regret it if I did not try. So here I am, teaching yoga and loving it. I taught my second class last night, and teach three nights a week. It is a good way to meet locals and improve my spanish.

I will be living here in Puerto Natales for at least another month. The hostel has slowed down, and has an even more relaxed atmosphere. Tomorrow the staff will include Bill, a Chileno named Mauricio and myself living and working at the hostel.

May 18th, 2013
Living!

Yoga classes are going great as I am becoming more comfortable and confident in my language. The hostel continues to be a great gig and I am finding many fun things to do to remain active. A week ago, I walked onto the local soccer field and asked if I could play. They invited me to play two nights a week in an organized game. I am surprised by how sore I get after running continuously for an hour. It's fun to play, and I am now reminded of how fun soccer is. Especially since the last time I played an organized soccer game has been over two years ago. I have a bicycle to use at my will, and it's really fun to explore around Natales. I am so grateful for the experience I am having. The people here are great. Chileans are awesome.
Bill invited a couple friends and me to go hiking the other day. It turned out to be a beautiful day and we enjoyed the incredible scenery that surrounds this small town.

The mountain range on the left is the part of Torres del Paine National Park. The highest peak of this mountain range and Magellan region of Chile is Paine Grande. The peak stands 9462 feet high.

Fabio, Maria, Bill, Bea and myself with the Prat Mountain Range making us look great

Maria relaxes with a stunning view on a clear, sunny day at Laguna Sofia

Panoramic View of Laguna Sofia and the Prat Mountain Range near Torres del Paine

Beautiful sunset overlooking mountains near friend's home

May 30th
Snowshoes, Bike Rides and Good Times

Friends have invited me on some day activities including hiking in the mountains with snow shoes and mountain biking. How fun! Check out the pictures!

Trees visibly show how strong the wind blows in Patagonia, Chile

First time snow-shoer. The snow shoes make it easier and more comfortable to walk with the extra grip and balance on the snow.

Bacán!

I am very content and happy with my situation as I continue to meet great people and stay active. Three days a week I continue to teach yoga, and it is hard not to learn new things every day. I was able to talk to my favorite yoga teacher of all time, Pam, from Florida. She gave me some simple tips on improving my classes. Wow, it was so great to hear from her. Thanks Pam.
A wandering traveler with a unique personality and great travel stories, who has been away from home for over a decade, inspired me to someday carry a guitar with my backpack and belongings. Also, it is a goal of mine to learn to play guitar. Since the hostel happens to have a guitar, I have made time to practice.
Now that the tourist season in very slow, and we are due to close the hostel on June 1st, I have been able to spend my time doing other things than working in the hostel. I have found a lot of time to read, watch movies, play music, relax, cook and live.
Life is good.

Bye for now...

July 1st, 2013

'And the trouble is, if you don't risk anything, you risk even more.'
- Erica Jong

At this point, Puerto Natales is a home base to explore the region of Magallanes. The pueblo sits near islands and fjords bordering the Pacific Ocean and the towering mountains of Patagonia. Surrounding Natales are many beautiful places to adventure that are relatively unexplored. With the help of friendly locals, transportation, good gear from the hostel and a desire to explore, I am fortunate to travel around the region. This blog below shows pictures and videos of my recent adventures. Enjoy.

Dorotea

Beautiful trees canopy the trail to the top of Dorotea

Laura plays with her beautiful Magallanic Shepherd, Manuka

Panoramic view from Dorotea - Nice picture Laura

Laguna Sofia

Our Final Destination

Mauricio and I begin on foot in search for a path to reach a good view. Beginning our trek we did not know a path, but had a particular destination in mind. Off we go.

Ice sits atop the water and surrounds the trees with Prat Mountain Range in background

Maté break

The edge of Laguna Sofia is set before what looks like a hill. This hill is actually a rock face that rock climbers praise.

Another view of the rock climbing wall, Laguna Sofia in the foreground, and Fjord Ultima Esperanza in the background

Our Final Destination

 Bike Ride to the Milodon Cave

Sun rises and shines on the mountains. This picture is taken a five minutes away from my home

The main Milodon Cave. A Milodon is an extinct animal that lived in this area over 10,000 years ago. In 1895, explorers found a skin and bones of this animal. After further research, they found remnants of other extinct animals and humans 

Winter frost covers the plants and grass

The Medium Cave

Oo La La

Sun sets as Puerto Natales takes in the last minutes of sunshine

Biathlon outside Torres Del Paine National Park
An annual biathlon takes place starting at the entrance to the national park at Laguna Amarga and ends at Cerro Castillo. 30 miles of cycling and 5 miles of running will bring you to the finish line. I started at Tierra Patagonia Hotel, which is a little over 20 miles, and cycled the whole way. To see professional photos, visit the website, Pura Vida Photography. Claudio and Erin, a married couple living here in Natales, are professional photographers and great people. Enjoy.

View from Tierra Patagonia. We started the biathlon at 4pm, as the sun was setting!

I took my time and did not race. I was enjoying the scenery too much.

Punta Arenas

Punta Arenas, the southernmost city in Chile, has much to offer. Thanks to my friends, I am able to explore some pretty amazing areas.

Laura and Manuka walk ahead on the southernmost beach on the South American continent

On the left, the road begins and marks the start of the southernmost road on the South American Continent 

Maca and I walk through the strong winds and snow

We decided to hike at night, under a half moon and snow

What's next? I do not know. Enjoy today.

During the biathlon, I met a man named Pancho who sparked an idea in my mind to spend the winter season in between here and Narvarino Island, one of the southernmost islands in the world. From there, many ships and boats leave for Antarctica starting in the spring, which begins in September. So my general idea is to contact the right person on Navarino island, convince them I will be a good worker, and travel for free to Antarctica. This may or may not happen like this, but one way or another, I will arrive there. 

Until then, I am enjoying where I am now. Here is to right now.