It was windy periodically during the night, but not too cold in the tent. Outside the tent was a whole different matter. It was forcing my body to get up and go out about 2:00 am when I had the sudden urge to go thebathroom. It is never enjoyable getting up during the night to relieve one's self, but it even more excruciating mentally when it is sub-zero. Once I was awake, I knew there was no turning back . I didn't take the timeto put on additional layers. I slipped on my cold wet boots and looked likea polar bear as I wandered to the latrine in my white long johns. I turned my head lamp on, so I wouldn't surprise or be surprised by any wildlife. As I approached the designated area, I could hear a couple of seals start to growl. Doesn't make one real comfortable when you are trying to relieve yourself and get back to the warmth of the North Face sleeping bag. Feeling better and not so full, I noticed something I had missed out the way out of the tent, the beauty of the evening sky. The stars, planets and MilkyWay were spectacular in their brightness. I have gazed at the stars while camping in Idaho and in Colorado, but I have never seen anything so spectacular. I forgot how cold and windy it was and wished I had a camerato capture this picture for my family. It was not just the stars, but the reflection of whites, grays and blues from the water and glaciers.
It willbe an image I carry with me forever. Words cannot capture how insignificant I felt at that moment as a creation in God's universe. About 5:00 am I started to hear other members of the expedition up and walking around camp. I didn't pull myself out until about 6:30 am. We are now headed for a new expedition site. I need to hurry and close. Our communications expert is getting ready to upload the satellite and send messages across the globe. My blog will be one of those. I'm not sure what we will see or encounter, but the beauty makes me pause in reflection and grateful for all I have been given.
It was windy periodically during the night, but not too cold in the tent. Outside the tent was a whole different matter. It was forcing my body to get up and go out about 2:00 am when I had the sudden urge to go thebathroom. It is never enjoyable getting up during the night to relieve one's self, but it even more excruciating mentally when it is sub-zero. Once I was awake, I knew there was no turning back . I didn't take the timeto put on additional layers. I slipped on my cold wet boots and looked likea polar bear as I wandered to the latrine in my white long johns. I turned my head lamp on, so I wouldn't surprise or be surprised by any wildlife. As I approached the designated area, I could hear a couple of seals start to growl. Doesn't make one real comfortable when you are trying to relieve yourself and get back to the warmth of the North Face sleeping bag. Feeling better and not so full, I noticed something I had missed out the way out of the tent, the beauty of the evening sky. The stars, planets and MilkyWay were spectacular in their brightness. I have gazed at the stars while camping in Idaho and in Colorado, but I have never seen anything so spectacular. I forgot how cold and windy it was and wished I had a camerato capture this picture for my family. It was not just the stars, but the reflection of whites, grays and blues from the water and glaciers.
It willbe an image I carry with me forever. Words cannot capture how insignificant I felt at that moment as a creation in God's universe. About 5:00 am I started to hear other members of the expedition up and walking around camp. I didn't pull myself out until about 6:30 am. We are now headed for a new expedition site. I need to hurry and close. Our communications expert is getting ready to upload the satellite and send messages across the globe. My blog will be one of those. I'm not sure what we will see or encounter, but the beauty makes me pause in reflection and grateful for all I have been given.
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