Who Makes a Difference?- We do
Antarctica is a peaceful kingdom, writes Dian Olsen Belanger in her book, Deep Freeze.
Science is the primary focus for the Icy Continent. We learn about space, earth's changing climate, life sciences, ecosystems--every thinkable aspect of science can be researched at the bottom of the world. We also enlighten ourselves about humans under extreme conditions when we study Antarctica.
The Antarctic Treaty is an important accomplishment in the 20th century. The world came together to protect one place on earth from war, politics, mining and exploitation. We continue the "how did this happen?!" thought, with our new Paris Agreement. I love it when the world collectively determines something positive for our future. Critics say it's not enough. Like the Antarctic Treaty, the fact that we have this agreement is a feat worth celebrating. Over 100 countries in agreement and counting.
As I reflect on the success of Admiral Byrd's III expedition to the South Pole, I'm reminded that the human side of any endeavor can make or break the most well thought out plan. 125 men and 80 dogs found ways to cope with the harshness of their voyage because they each did their part and relied on the other.
George W. Gibbs Jr., said it was the best time in his life. Gibbs was 23 when he sailed on the USS Bear. When I first heard this, as his daughter, I felt disappointed that it didn't include me (haha).
The trip was well before he was married with family. After all the amazing things he experienced, Antartica was it! Count down Day 2 until his 100th birthday.
Remember every day, we make the difference in our future.
Miles to other world cities from King George Island 2012 ©Leilani Henry
Food Patterns in Antarctica - Count Down Day 3
Near King George Island, Antarctica 2012 © Leilani Henry
No where in the world is food more important than during Polar expeditions.
Even though my father was part of the mess or kitchen crew on the USS Bear, I never thought this type of position had much to offer history. Probably because of my less than enthusiastic relationship with cooking. See my guest blog post in The Antarctic Book of Cooking and Cleaning. This book is a fantastic account of two women, Wendy Trusler and Carol Devine, who were a part of an environmental cleanup project on Bellinghausen station, King George Island.
I happened to be in the same location in 2012, and had no idea of their expedition six years prior.
The blog, Green with Renvy, published beautiful book review of Trusler and Devine's book. It inspired me to pull a menu from Byrd's III expedition that my father, George W. Gibbs, JR., had a hand in making aboard their 68 year old wooden barkentine sailing vessel-USS Bear.
From Byrd Polar Research Center, Ohio State University Archives:
Planned on August 1, 1939 for the first week at sea ( 11/22/1939)
Breakfast: stewed prunes, hominy grits, condensed milk, chipped beef on toast, fig perserves, buttered toast, coffee
Lunch: local fish stew, local fried fish fillets, french fried potato shreds, cucumber pickles, bread and butter, vitaminized cherry gelatine, and cocoa
Dinner: Rice, rye bread and butter, stuffed olives, bohemian tea, crab apple jelly
You know that chocolate, cocoa, chocolate malt- any way you can make and eat cacao is present in ALL of the polar expeditions. High fat, high calories and good for your intuition. (according to Yogi J. Oliver Black as reported to me by Dr. Aaron Flickstein)
Finally, the photo is from my 2012 Antarctic trip. We visited an abandoned hut and found what... chocolate! Still edible from years past. ( I don't have a date)
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
You've Heard of Microagressions, No? It Started in Antarctica!
Charles M. Pierce, a brilliant, All-American ( quote from Paul Dalrymple) hero introduced the concept of microaggressions, from his collaboratively research on extreme conditions at the South Pole. This research was published from 1968-1990 that might also be applied to space travel.
Dr. Pierce, a Harvard medical school graduate, was a true renaissance man. From football, to film, to medicine, to research, he is also remembered for his attention to stress, race and class. As I read bios, interviews and wikipedia about Dr. Pierce, most fail to show the origin of his research on microaggression: "small acts, almost innocuous in themselves, that in aggregate can undermine self-esteem and destroy relationships". Quote from Paul Dalrymple www.antarctican.org.
Since there are many tensions and aggressions before and during this election season, I think it's important to get as many facts correctly as possible.
I share Charles M. Pierce (3/4/29-9/20/16 RIP), and this little known connection with polar research as a count down to what would have been George W. Gibbs, Jr,'s 100th birthday coming up 11/7/16.
Post Script: I'm published in Management and Leadership Skills for Medical Faculty. My chapter is "Navigating Conflict". I wish I had known more about microaggression and Dr. Pierce's work last year! http://www.mettasolutions.com/best-leadership-book-for-medical-faculty/
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.
Antarctic News and Announcment
Good news for inhabitants of this planet and the environment. "Antarctic Ozone Layer is Finally Healing", says Chris Mooney in the Washington Post. http://wapo.st/2bOo9Zi
.."And the Ozone Layer over the Antarctic continent is getting better directly because of our choices and policies." I think it's important to celebrate our small wins.
Also, Colleen O'Connor, who was killed by a car last week. She won an award for the article on George W. Gibbs, Jr., right before I left for Antarctica in 2012.
She inspired and helped me in many ways. RIP Colleen.
World's Largest Canyon Spotted Beneath Antarctic Ice Sheet!
Today, 76 years ago, is the historic day that George W. Gibbs, Jr, set foot on the West Antarctic Ice Shelf, making him the first man in the world of his race to do so. I woke up wondering what I would write to commemorate the day. Only to see this new discovery in the news, just announced on 1/14/16 in the Australian press.
“Our analysis provides the first evidence that a huge canyon and a possible lake are present beneath the ice in Princess Elizabeth Land,” (East Antarctica) Dr Jamieson said.
“It’s astonishing to think that such large features could have avoided detection for so long."
"The results of this analysis, published recently in the journal Geology, reveal a chain of winding features over 600 miles long and half a mile deep buried beneath miles of ice." This discovery will be confirmed later in 2016, trumps the latest finding in 2013 of Greenland's Grand Canyon. Due to satellite sophistication, "the age of discovery is far from over."
The canyon is over twice the size of the USA's Grand Canyon. Hello Mother Earth!
Wikipedia Page is Alive
The only error I see, is in addition to being the first African American on Antarctica, he was the first person of black African descent in the world, to set foot there. This information was verified by Robert Headland, in an email to Ted Scambos, in October 2009.
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 Storied Ice: Exploration, Discovery, and Adventure in Antarctica's Peninsula Region
- Polar Post and Upland Goose
- The Petaluma Post
- Micaela Neus, Palmer Station Staffer, 2011-12 season
- An Endorsement, not a review, from Dr. Arthur Ford, the author of the article on Antarctica in the Encyclopedia Britannica
Antarctic World News 2013 End of Year
Cracking Ice Raises Hope for Russian Ship Stuck in Antarctica Since December 24th.
http://bit.ly/19ylhXg
Nice visuals here-- http://news.msn.com/world/helicopter-to-rescue-stranded-antarctic-ship-passengers
100-Year-Old Box of Negatives Discovered by Conservators in Antarctica
http://bit.ly/1ek0aHX
HAPPY 2014! As much as possible, I'm hibernating this winter to work on my Antarctica project. Till soon. Best Regards!
Anthony Wayne Passed Away at 98
http://www.dailygazette.net/standard/ShowStoryTemplate.asp?Path=SCH/2013/10/08&ID=Ar00700
RIP Anthony Wayne. (Anthony Kelczweski)
The following photo was from a presentation I made about the expedition to George W. Gibbs, Jr. Elementary. The students made the story come alive! This feels like an appropriate tribute.
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| Michael from Gibbs Elementary 1st grade class 2012 draws the expedition's ship--The U.S.S. Bear |
FYI: There is still one man left who sailed on Admiral Byrd's III expedition to Antarctica-
Robert R. Johnson of Jacksonville, FL. How ironic--he lives in the city of my father's birthplace.
Tropical Antarctica
In 1930, a book review for Antarctica Adventure and Research was published in New York Times. The reviewer stated his critique for author, Griffith Taylor, who makes an understated mention of the coal discovered during Byrd's first expedition.
My excitement builds, as I uncover historical timelines related to Antarctica.
Laurence McKinley Gould - Antarctic Explorer
As the first geologist to set foot on Antarctica's interior, he was Admiral Byrd's second-in-command for Byrd's first expedition to the South Pole. From 1945 to 1962, he was President of Carlton College. He loved Minnesota as much as my father, George W. Gibbs, Jr did. Quote from an unofficial Carlton College site: "I feel best in weather that makes me shiver." - On moving to Minnesota.- Laurence M. Gould
I'm inspired by Antarctic stories and connections such as this. Please write me if you have a connection to share.
Adapt in Order to Thrive
Stories about George Gibbs, Jr.- News from the Rochester Post Bulletin
Today the Rochester Post Bulletin printed an article about my book progress. They highlight the challenges and opportunities I face, as a researcher and writer. Telling a historical story to make it relevant to today is my goal. I'm exploring his journals, papers and other expedition members information to create the story of Admiral Byrd's III expedition to the South Pole. It's a little known story that needs to have it's place in history.
In the actual newspaper, (not the online version), Mike Dougherty asks on my behalf, to send me stories and experiences about my father. George has many admirers, many of whom I've never met. Others have stories I've not heard.
If you knew him or know someone who had an experience, please email me with your experience at contact.leilani (AT) beingandliving.com. The moment the article came out, I received my first, heartfelt story. This is very exciting!
Captain Scott's Final Words Released
I went to an exhibit in 2011 called Scott-Amundsen: Race to the End of the Earth in New York
Since his practices seemed inferior to Amundsen, at the time I didn't feel sorry for him. Now I have empathy, upon doing more research. For example, the expedition faced unusually severe weather conditions.
His Final Words:
Captain Scott apologized for this writing. "It's -40 and has been for nigh a month"
The USS Bear leaving for Antarctica
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!
