Nature Rules OK? New Antarctica Musical in Hobart Australia

Today, I'm hyperaware of the line between life and death in Antarctica. Some have said it's not life and death any more on the Ice. Not true!

Gordon Hamilton, a prominent climate scientist, died from a snow mobile accident, in late October. He fell into a 100 ft deep crevasse. Crevasses are one of the primary hazards on the continent. You can be super skillful and still fall prey to the landscape.

and Yes, Nature does Rule. Antarctic scientist, Dana Bergstrom, an Australian survivor of a fatal sewer gas leak, wrote and produced a New Antarctica Musical. She vowed, if she survived, to share in a more dramatic way, why Antarctica is the 'canary in the coal mine' on our planet. If you live near Hobart, it's playing until 11/12/16.

I hope these posts help you be more engaged with our precious bottom of the world.

I know I need to do more, many people are waiting for me to finish my writing project. Thanks for your support!

Leilani Henry speaking to students at a CO Middle school ©Leilani Henry

Antarctica 2041- Robert Swan Inspires Hope

It's the year 2000. I'm introduced to Robert Swan, five minutes before he goes onstage to deliver his FAST company keynote address.  Mr. Swan is the first person to walk to both poles, from about 700-900 miles away each trip. With generosity, he listens to my story about my father on Admiral Byrd's III expedition to Antarctica.

Next thing I hear is an announcement from stage-"Will the daughter of George W. Gibbs, Jr.  please stand." I stand as Robert Swan adds to his already packed speech, "I'm honored by a man who worked humbly to make one of Admiral Byrd's expeditions successful.  The George's of the world, who quietly serve and don't receive much thanks."  It's important to know we are not alone. Together, we build a better world.

This is the first time I acknowledge, in public, my father's accomplishments.  I don't even know (at this time) any details of what happened on the expedition- only that he was a part of it.  I feel compelled to connect to this famous explorer and tell him this little known part of Antarctic history.

Robert Swan impressed me that day with his Presence. His willingness and ability to adjust his remarks on the spot is an important model for leadership.  It's not all about us. If we're willing to change in an instant, we can make a lasting impact with one small gesture.

Learn more about keeping Mother Earth's last frontier forever protected.

http://2041.com/robert-swan

Antarctica-Past, Present and Future: Count Down to Gibbs 100th Birthday

One week to go to 11/7/16- This would be George W. Gibbs, Jr's 100th Birthday.

Best news this year for Antarctica: The most pristine waters in the world are now protected! http://bbc.in/2f6d1G3

Gibbs sailed to the Ross Ice Shelf with Admiral Richard E. Byrd's III expedition to the South Pole, in 1940. Where icebergs look like castles and penguins love to play. Thankfully, after 76 years, we still have these sights. For the next 35 years, the protections remain. Antarctica is melting. We're more aware of what that might mean for the planet.

We need to save the world's last frontier. This is a perfect step.

Gibbs Made History Today

Joyce Gibbs (George's wife) and Leilani Henry (daughter)

 A few months ago, I found another document that speaks of today's historical event.  One of his ship mates wrote on January 14, 1940, George W. Gibbs, Jr. was the first Negro in Antarctica.  It's exciting to find more evidence of personal connections aboard the USS Bear.  

Today is the 75th anniversary!  

 The Prime Meridian in Antarctica is less than 500 miles/900 kilometers east from where the crew of the USS Bear docked for the first time, on the Ross Ice Shelf. 

A few weeks ago, my mother and I stood on the Prime Meridian in Greenwich Park, London.  

How cool is that?  Thanks to our hosts Vicky Thomas and David Hall. 

75 Years Ago-The U.S.S. Bear Set Sail

-courtesy of Leilani Henry files. Picture on USS Bear, near Antarctic circle January 1940.

There are many remembrances for this day. It's 50 years since the assassination of JFK.
I celebrate Hannah Claire, who turns 20.

The biggest day of my father's life happened on this day. He set sail for Antarctica and magnetic South Pole. His diary says on Nov. 22, 1939, "75 huskies howling day and night". Later on the trip, his autograph book is signed by Admiral Byrd.

To George W. Gibbs, Jr,

"Best wishes to one who has done so much to make our cruise more comfortable and pleasant"

- RE Byrd

The USS Bear leaving for Antarctica

I'm celebrating today for two reasons:  This is the Mayan day for the USS Bear ( Queen of the Polar seas and 'forerunner of modern icebreakers') leaving for Antarctica.  The Gregorian date was November 22, 1939.  But today is Deer, which is community service day, with the 13 being transcendence as well as, the last day of the Mayan week. Their weeks are 13 days long.

My goal is to continue to write and reflect on the six month journey the crew of the USAS experienced, beginning today.  Any good wishes on finishing this book in the next six months, is appreciated!

The other reason to celebrate is I've already had the beginning of the first chapter translated into Japanese.  Writing this book continues to feel like a huge challenge.  I'm up for the task, anticipating days where I might want to 'go home', as George Gibbs, wrote in his journal.

Celebrating My First Trip to Antarctica, 2/15/2012

I'm forever changed by my trip to Antarctica. The date is easy to remember because it's Sir Ernest Shackleton's birthday. I hardly slept or ate while I was there. Our starting point was Russia's Bellinghausen scientific base. The trip utilizes cooperation between Argentina, Chile and Russia. Every cell in my body remembers the sweet stillness from the lack of thought forms. Not to mention the grandeur of the landscape. I'm honored to be a person to have gone to the bottom of the earth. Thanks and blessings to those who supported my journey through donations. My working book title is We are All Antarctica: Adventures of the First Black Explorer on the Icy Continent. I'm told it will definitely change. I do have another title in mind. It's a challenging project, but I'm making progress. Have an amazing day!

Kate Upton in Antarctica

A little mainstream news on Valentine's Day! Last year this time, I was in a meeting to find out whether our plane would fly to Antarctica the next day. I never imagined, a year later, that a super model would be (in Antarctica) on the cover of Sports Illustrated in a bikini! It looks like the beach I was on (wink), and it's cold. Kate, you're brave!

Antarctica's Future

To date, Antarctica's history consumes most my research time.  There's plenty to learn about the USASE (Admiral Richard E. Byrd's III expedition to the South Pole), in order to keep writing.

I'm happy to say my brain is now tuned to future possibilities of our amazing continent. 
See this video about the robot in design to explore Lake Vostok , The Lost World. 
It may be 5 years to launch!  Go about 5 minutes into the video to see the robot plans and animation.

Antarctica is Important for Many Things.

On the flight back from Antarctica to Chile, I spoke with a scientist from Spain.  His job is to find rocks from Mars for study. "Why do you look for rocks from other planets here, I asked?"   He replies, "They may fall elsewhere on earth, but It's easier to see them here!"


I found this link -Meteorites found in Antarctica and Australia make scientists believe that the building blocks of DNA exist in space.  My conclusion: Antarctica is important for many things!

No More Dogs in Antarctica

I'm preparing to speak to Gibbs Elementary first graders this morning.  I've been thinking about the Antarctic Treaty and it's importance on the world's stage.  I didn't realize that since 1993,  the Antartic Treaty bans dogs.
According to USA Today, "This action was taken because of evidence that the canine disease distemper was spreading to Antarctica’s seals."  There may be other reasons not stated, but expeditions with dogs are a thing of the past.  George W Gibbs, Jr., spoke fondly of the dogs and the dog drivers on his trip.  They were essential to pull gear and help f ind crevasses for the ice party.  We chose the picture ( at the top of this blog) of my father with dogs for this reason.

One of the last Survivors from the USAS Expedition

Yesterday, I reconnected with Anthony Wayne, a seaman from the USS Bear.  I visited him on Veteran's day, 2010.  He has vivid memories of the expedition.  I am speaking with him more frequently to get his details.
Here are some articles about his story.  Tony remembers my father as a very nice man, who served the crew well from the galley.

Changed by the Southern Continents

Since I've returned from the bottom of the world,  I've heard three consistent comments: You look lighter!  You look younger!  You look happy!  I think the secret is something I've been practicing:  follow the questions, not the answers.  This concept is explained well in Finding Inner Courage by Mark Nepo.  Thanks to Todd Hoskins, a wonderful support and friend for sending me the book and working behind the scenes to make the blog and the fundraising happen for this adventure!

My Colorado Matters Public Radio Interview

It was a whirlwind of activity before I left on my trip.  Here's the radio interview I did on Colorado Public Radio.  This is a popular show called Colorado Matters. Some of you know, I'm a radio host for Connections on KGNU Boulder/Denver.  Nice switch to be the person interviewed!  My next KGNU show is April 6th with Dave Paxson of World Population Balance.  His principles link to some of the We are All Antarctica themes.  Apparently, overpopulation affects many things.

Antarctic Seals

It's hard to see the seals in some of these pictures. While taking pictures and being in awe of the environment, I almost walked into the camouflaged seals!  Of course these pics are closeups. With great guides on this trek,

they helped me look up at just the right time.  No doubt, Antarctica is wilderness!!.

From National Archives:Weddell seals, Melchoir Islands.  My father was here. Doesn't look much different.

Views from the Chinese Station on King George Island

Whale bones on the Chinese station

Our transportation in paradise

I'm back from Chile.  It's much easier to review my pictures now. I wasn't sure I captured my experience well.  But for the first time, I can see what I have.  My 48 hour journey to Antarctica was remarkable!  It is a subtle and powerful experience upon which to reflect.  Because my father went decades before he had a family,  I didn't think I would feel a connection to the continent in my DNA.  I was wrong.  The feeling of awe is deep within me.

All things penguin

Alejo Contreras Staeding

Gentoo Penguins

Chin strap penguin

The penguins are as engaging and delightful as I thought!  King George Island area has Adelie, Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins.

Eduardo Frei Chilean Base Antarctica

Antarctica rocks

Which way to?? Whale bones for stand

Beach on King George Island

Eduardo Frei Base Beach,  KGI

Seaweed

Yellow moss? and Penguino

Buildings on the Base

Mostly scientists live here year round. Many of them are affliated with the military.  These pics are from my morning walk on Day Two.

A Hut in Antarctica

The sea surrounding Nelson Island is frozen in the winter.  We're lucky to have seen a hut left completely in tact, from an unknown time frame.  It's the hut of  a Czech explorer.  My expedition mates are Petr and Alenka are from the Czech Republic.  We feel the emotion of seeing this rare site on our first stop on our tour in the zodiac boat.

My First Glimpse of Antarctica

I went to the ice free zone of Antarctica. King George Island.  We landed on Ernest Shackleton's birthday!