Well everyone, this will be the final blog I can get out before we head for the Drake Passage on our return voyage. In some ways, I find it a little sad because I'm sure there is so much more to see and experience. This is adventure has been incredible, but now I look forward to returning home and sharing my thoughts, experiences, photos and videos with my family and others. The photos and video will not fully communicate what I have seen.
In some ways, I feel it may minimize the experience. Regardless, I look forward to speaking to students about what it is like in Antarctica and encourage them to find and learn from their own experiences.
We were hoping for some spectacular weather these final two days instead of the snow, wind and cold. Today, the last half of the day was sunny, cold and windy. That may sound funny, but the snow makes you wet and weighs down your gear.
We entered Niko Harbor this morning. It is a beautiful harbor and was shielded somewhat from the elements. For some reason, it is also one of the more active areas for the glacier breaks. This is when large sections of glacier facture and fall off into the ocean creating a large tidal wave.
This magnificent event occurred a number of times while we were hiking up one of the more safe glaciers. One moment it was quite and then you hear a loud cracking sound, then a thunderous explosion. A wall of ice then crumbles into the ocean. The Antarctic has so many dimensions to her. From weather that seems to change from moment to moment, to the magnificent beauty of her black mountains scraping the assure sky, covered with glaciers of blue crystals almost as tall as the mountains them self. Then there is the clean blue ocean and wildlife that is usually seen only in documentaries.
On this day while we were out, we came across a humpback whale feeding on creel about 25 yards from out zodiac boat. We then caught some movement by one of the icebergs and found a curious leopard seal that was as interested in us as we were in him. As we were watching the leopard seal, a Minky whale surfaced no more than 10 feet from us.
Since we were short on time, we then moved to Brown Base, which an Argentinean Antarctic base. As we went ashore, two more leopard seals were
keeping eye on our movements. We are now on the ship heading down the
Gerlache Strait. We will make one more stop before heading to the Drake Passage.
I have often wondered as I have been blogging, if anyone has been reading or following this expedition. If you have, I hope you have found some value.
Take some time and leave me your thoughts and how the blog has made you
feel. This Antarctic expedition is not the only thing that has been new to
me. Keeping a blog and sharing my daily adventures is new for me also. If nothing else, it has acted as a great journal for this period of time in my
life. It is a form memory documentation and personal expression. I will
look back and draw on the mental video and snapshots this wilderness has provided me. In some way, I hope it has sparked a desire for some of you to look for your own adventure or expedition.
In some ways, I feel it may minimize the experience. Regardless, I look forward to speaking to students about what it is like in Antarctica and encourage them to find and learn from their own experiences.
We were hoping for some spectacular weather these final two days instead of the snow, wind and cold. Today, the last half of the day was sunny, cold and windy. That may sound funny, but the snow makes you wet and weighs down your gear.
We entered Niko Harbor this morning. It is a beautiful harbor and was shielded somewhat from the elements. For some reason, it is also one of the more active areas for the glacier breaks. This is when large sections of glacier facture and fall off into the ocean creating a large tidal wave.
This magnificent event occurred a number of times while we were hiking up one of the more safe glaciers. One moment it was quite and then you hear a loud cracking sound, then a thunderous explosion. A wall of ice then crumbles into the ocean. The Antarctic has so many dimensions to her. From weather that seems to change from moment to moment, to the magnificent beauty of her black mountains scraping the assure sky, covered with glaciers of blue crystals almost as tall as the mountains them self. Then there is the clean blue ocean and wildlife that is usually seen only in documentaries.On this day while we were out, we came across a humpback whale feeding on creel about 25 yards from out zodiac boat. We then caught some movement by one of the icebergs and found a curious leopard seal that was as interested in us as we were in him. As we were watching the leopard seal, a Minky whale surfaced no more than 10 feet from us.
Since we were short on time, we then moved to Brown Base, which an Argentinean Antarctic base. As we went ashore, two more leopard seals were
keeping eye on our movements. We are now on the ship heading down the
Gerlache Strait. We will make one more stop before heading to the Drake Passage.
I have often wondered as I have been blogging, if anyone has been reading or following this expedition. If you have, I hope you have found some value.Take some time and leave me your thoughts and how the blog has made you
feel. This Antarctic expedition is not the only thing that has been new to
me. Keeping a blog and sharing my daily adventures is new for me also. If nothing else, it has acted as a great journal for this period of time in my
life. It is a form memory documentation and personal expression. I will
look back and draw on the mental video and snapshots this wilderness has provided me. In some way, I hope it has sparked a desire for some of you to look for your own adventure or expedition.
Drew, the pictures are amazing. I can't wait until you can post more (once you get to a solid connection). You'll be in our thoughts as you come back through the pass.
ReplyDeleteDrew, It has been a blessing and a pleasure to be able to follow you in this adventure. It wasn't an expedition, it was an adventure. You are inspirational and show some great leadership guidlines in your writings and I will take alot from thankyou and we will be praying or you on your return journey home!
ReplyDeleteANDY B!
Hey Drew! Wow, what amazing pictures. I can't wait to see more of them and hear more stories! I hope you have a safe journey back home.
ReplyDeleteWe've been following your journey faithfully (in between pauses for online Wiggles games). Rylee learned to say penguin and likes looking at your pictures. Safe return journey.
ReplyDeletewow - what an experience...hopefully you will continue to add pictures and comments on your blog once you return home so we can all enjoy your adventure - return home safely
ReplyDeleteHey Drew, been working hard all week and just got a chance to catch up on your progress, looks like an awsome journey!!! Safe Travels - JO
ReplyDeleteI'm interested in hearing more about your close encounters with whales. Love your pictures.
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing adventure! I can't believe I didn't know you would be doing this until recently (I grew up next to your in-laws). Thank you for sharing these wonderful pictures and bringing about yet another thing we have to be grateful for.
ReplyDelete