When I tell someone I’m going to Antarctica, I get one of two possible reactions — an incredulous, “why are you going,” or an enthusiastic, “wow, I always wanted to go.”

The overwhelming majority of my friends, colleagues and especially my wife had the first reaction when I told them that I was heading to Antarctica for the third time. “But this trip was different,” I noted. This time I was heading down to the icy continent to see whales on One Ocean Expeditions’ “Marine Mammals of Antarctica” trip. One Ocean Expeditions, who hosted me on this trip, describes it as “whale watching on an adventure cruise along the Antarctic Peninsula.” That simple phrase doesn’t do this trip justice.

Rather than try to describe the trip at this point (I will when I write my article, which will probably come out later this year), I will let my photos tell the story. I am not a professional photographer nor am I well versed in the technical features of photography or of my-easy-to-use, point-and-click Panasonic Lumix (no renumeration was exchanged for this blatant plug — I’m just appreciative of a good product). Antarctica can turn every amateur photographer into a pro. It is just, hands down, the most photogenic place on earth.

That’s all I’m going to say (other than give credit for the “why or wow” distinction to someone on the cruise — unfortunately I can’t remember who). The first four photos are of Ushuaia, the town at the bottom of Argentina where the trip began, the ship, and my cabin. After that, it’s all Antarctica.

And this last photo is of me in a moment of reflection captured by another passenger on the boat (whose name I’ve also forgotten). I remember the moment though. It was at the end of our last shore excursion, essentially the end of the trip. Since I probably won’t pass this way again, I was trying to burn the view, the experience and my feelings into my memory. I’m not sure if I succeeded.If you’re interested, I’ll let you know in a few years.