A Post from Another Expedition Antarctica: Penguins, Finally!

Christine Dell'Amore of National Geographic News wrote a great post on 1/15/11.Expedition Antarctica: Penguins, Finally! 

It's a different experience when you do to McMurdo ( more the interior of Antarctica).  It's possible to go all the way there and not see penguins if you don't go to the coast.  This is a great post.  My father stayed close to the coast, so he saw much wildlife!

What's Affected by Climate Change?

Climate change is controversial.  Scientists are certain the climate is getting warmer due to increase CO2. Many animal species, such as penguins are threatened by the changes.  Another article says that one species loss is another's gain, i.e. deer, elk and caribou benefit because they can get away from predators.  I wonder what other opportunities will we face from warming?  What kind of weather shifts will challenge us?  Over 1000 people died in Europe from a cold winter this year.  One important step is the willingness to listen to others with a different point of view. How can we be open to shift our feelings and thoughts, through genuine conversation? I'm working on Deep Democracy Institute-Portland Oregon's Open Forum on Climate Change today.  What are your questions about climate change?

Brilliant Antarctica Day

The ice free zone in Antarctica is brilliant.  I'm reminded of the beauty, as I report my experience on this short video.  It's clear I established my own connection with this continent and feel called to return and see much more.

 I recently discovered that I did see sights similar to what my father would have seen.  At the time, the United States Antarctic Service (USAS) III expedition was confidential, so the 200 pictures my father took were turned into the Navy.  I don't know where to begin to search for the negatives.

Gentoo Penguin 'Meditation'

This video could be a meditation.  Be patient, it's worth it! To my surprise today, I found penquin guano on the bottom of my hiking boot.  A worthy souvenir.  Perhaps a 'sign' to return soon.  I'm experimenting with a professional photo gallery on SmugMug.  Soon, you'll be able to purchase photos and gift items, if you choose. Wasn't Frozen Planet amazing?  Let's remember to keep Antarctica a protected wilderness!!

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.

I'm on the Front Page of the Denver Post Today!

New Denver Post article by Colleen O'Connor.

Climate Change and Penguins

Two weeks from today, I will be on the way to Santiago, Chile and then Punta Arenas, Chile, where I fly to Antarctica!  I'm most excited to see penguins, since my father was "volunteered" by the U.S. Navy and the Smithsonian, to catch them for science, with his bear hands.  I want to imagine, from being with them, how one would go about it.  Thankfully, I won't have to do that! I've heard that it's illegal to touch the wildlife in Antarctica. However, I've seen pictures where they come and snuggle on your feet.  So much has changed for penguins, since 1940.