We Are All Antarctica project update
If you've been
following me, since December 2011, I'm sure you've seen this project
unfold with increasing clarity! I have three schools following my trip
to Antarctica: Platte Canyon Fitzsimmons Middle School, Bailey, CO;
Gibbs Elementary in Rochester, MN, (1st grade class) and a Free school
group who will do a field trip to Denver to learn more about climate
change and how we are personally connected through our thoughts,
feelings and history. Start Some Good is a partner for the next phase. I will design and pilot interactive, curricular materials for students to realize the value
of collaboration, based on my father’s community leadership, Antarctic history and climate
change. If you have interested groups or leads for schools to participate, please contact me. A big thanks to Matt Nathan for his coaching and production of the latest video!
100th year anniversary of Captain Scott's expedtion reaching the South Pole
It's sad to think about Robert Falcon Scott's Antarctic expedition and the death of the men. These are photos they never got to see. Today is the 100th year anniversary of them reaching the South Pole, after Roald Amundsen's expedition.
Clothing for Antarctica Summer finalized
In the last few days, I've been laser focused on clothing for Antarctic summer. King George Island is considered the banana belt of Antarctica. That's why 12 countries have year round research stations. My final decision on clothes was made with a friend who's husband is an ice climber. He insisted that the wind factor plays a huge roll in what to wear. Point well taken. Also, he said that injuries occur in extreme places, because most people don't have the right gear. Since I live in Colorado, I can always wear the gear again!
We found a sale on a new technology in Columbia clothing. It's called Omni- Heat Thermal Reflective material. (move over polar fleece) It keeps 20% more of your body heat in. I tried it last night, it works. My new challenge is the right amount of layers so I don't sweat to much on the hikes! And yes, merino wool is still preferred for wearing your first layer for many days before cleaning. I found Icebreaker from New Zealand. It's very soft. They should know! (close to Antarctica)
We found a sale on a new technology in Columbia clothing. It's called Omni- Heat Thermal Reflective material. (move over polar fleece) It keeps 20% more of your body heat in. I tried it last night, it works. My new challenge is the right amount of layers so I don't sweat to much on the hikes! And yes, merino wool is still preferred for wearing your first layer for many days before cleaning. I found Icebreaker from New Zealand. It's very soft. They should know! (close to Antarctica)
Today in 1940 Gibbs set foot on Antarctica!
From George W. Gibbs, Jr's journal January 14, 1940
"Jan. 14 Anchored this morning in the Bay of Whales at the South Pole and digging holes in the ice with picks and shovels. This was the only way of tying the ship up along the ice. There aren’t any docks at all, was I surprised?? When the Bear came up to the ice close enough for me to get ashore, I was the first man aboard the ship to set foot in Little America and help tie her lines deep into the snow. I met Admiral Byrd; he shook my hand and welcomed me to Little America and for being the first Negro to set foot in Little America."
Democracy 1776, breaking away from King George III
This article caught my eye this morning. I was wondering about the name of the island I am going to in Antarctica: King George Island. My father was active in the democratic process. Since I am not very smart about history or our political process, this article is not something I typically read or understand. It's about why the U.S. broke away from King George III in England.
27 Reasons Why We Became a New Nation. The article has this quote which reonates with We are All Antarctica! Ben Franklin matter-of-factly noted: “Indeed we must all hang together; otherwise we shall most assuredly hang separately.”
27 Reasons Why We Became a New Nation. The article has this quote which reonates with We are All Antarctica! Ben Franklin matter-of-factly noted: “Indeed we must all hang together; otherwise we shall most assuredly hang separately.”