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."
Poles shifting!
Still researching what this means, but it's amazing that apparently the earth's poles haven't shifted in 750,000. Readings as much as 40 miles per year in the last 2 years. Implications in air travel navigation for sure. Anybody up on this?
Byrd's Diaries
Admiral Richard E. Byrd noted in his diaries that he was not the first person to fly over the North Pole (only the South Pole). This was known before finding this journal entry,but to see that he wrote about it, says something about his character.
Prepping for Antarctica SummerTravel
Now that I'm actually GOING to Antarctica, I see there are a lot of details. Ted Scambos of the National Snow and Ice Data Center is a mentor and supporter of my trip. He suggested a few items (new to me) such as a neck gaiter! There is controversy about silk, wool and new fabrics. I think the new fabrics that wisk moisture away from your skin, are what I'll choose. On my father's expedition they were just issued clothing. No research necessary! I love this Cool Antarctica site.
New Iceberg Forming
I'm challenged by all the facets of a trip to Antarctica. From what to wear and how to pack light to on which aspects of the continent shall I focus?? Here's a new iceberg forming from the Pine Island Glacier.
Pancha's Pajamas Animated Hiphop musical
I'm amazed at what exists in the world of environmental multimedia learning and entertainment! Check out Pancha's Pajamas.
Sometimes blogging feels lonely. It's exciting to discover synergy in the world.
Sometimes blogging feels lonely. It's exciting to discover synergy in the world.
New Video We are All Antartica 2012
I'll soon be fundraising with Start Some Good. Here's my latest video with more explanation about the project. "
Happy 2012!
Happy New Year!
From Gibbs's Journal:
On Jan. 1 1940 En route for Little America. Today is New Year’s day and although I am at sea, almost at the bottom of the world, I am still ok and very anxious to get to the South Pole. Today is very beautiful at sea and there are many icebergs to be seen. Also whales. We ran into some very thick ice packs and lost a day trying to find a hole through the ice but couldn’t. So, we turned back and after getting out of the ice trap we headed west. This is my first time of seeing day light for twenty-four hours.
From Gibbs's Journal:
On Jan. 1 1940 En route for Little America. Today is New Year’s day and although I am at sea, almost at the bottom of the world, I am still ok and very anxious to get to the South Pole. Today is very beautiful at sea and there are many icebergs to be seen. Also whales. We ran into some very thick ice packs and lost a day trying to find a hole through the ice but couldn’t. So, we turned back and after getting out of the ice trap we headed west. This is my first time of seeing day light for twenty-four hours.
DJ Spooky and Ice Free Antarctica?
There are so many resources about Antarctica! Bedrock map reveals ice-free continent. Also, two years ago in Denver, I heard ">DJ Spooky's Terra Nova Sinfonia Antarctica. Brilliant artist and multimedia work!
Michael Ashley Professor of Astrophysics at University of New South Wales
Here's a blog from astronomer Michael Ashley, who recently started his six week journey to Antarctica!
@hottopicnz Twitter Hot Topic
South Pole had its warmest ever Christmas Day: max was a sweltering -12.3C. Previous record -17.2C in 1978.
@hottopicnz Twitter Hot Topic
South Pole had its warmest ever Christmas Day: max was a sweltering -12.3C. Previous record -17.2C in 1978.
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.”
Christmas Day from George W. Gibbs, Jr's Journal
Dec. 25, 2011
Today in Conifer, CO is bright sunny and 30 degrees F. There's two feet of snow and beautiful. Here's a entry from my father's trip to Antarctica, never before shared!
Christmas Day from George W. Gibbs, Jr's Journal 1939. (The crew had been at sea since Nov. 22nd.)
Dec. 24 En route for the Bay of Whales in Little America, Christmas Eve. Sent three nice letters to family and friends. I am well and still have courage and faith to go on although some days are very discouraging. Tomorrow is Christmas day aboard the Bear, too. Of course we are at sea, but we hope to have Xmas anyway.
Dec. 25 We are rolling and pitching so much today until one can hardly enjoy this merry Xmas. However we enjoyed our dinner anyway. We got some sweet music today that made me take out all my friend’s letters and pictures and look them over. Met position Christmas at noon S 50 ¸ 07¸00 “ (lat.) W 117¸ 03¸00 “ (long.) There is no ice today. Oh well, I guess Santa Claus forgot me! :)
Gibbs Elementary, Rochester, MN to Participate in the Project!
We are All Antarctica is about personal awareness of one's own thoughts and feelings and how that connects to they way we treat others. Our social connections flow into the environment or climate we create in our family, our school, our neighborhoods, society and the planet. We are stewards our ourselves, as well as our community and planet.
Climate change is uncertain. Our ability to collaborate to solve complex social and environmental issues will make all the difference in how we co-create our future. Gibbs Elementary mission of Learning together . Caring for each other . Believing in our future is in perfect alignment with We are All Antarctica. In preparation for my trip, we will count down starting Jan. 13th to Feb. 13th initial flight date. During this month, we are learning together about climate change and how we can have a personal connection to it, in our daily lives. How do scientists work together to discover the mysteries of climate change? What is the ice saying to us as it melts? What is the wildlife experiencing?
Climate change is uncertain. Our ability to collaborate to solve complex social and environmental issues will make all the difference in how we co-create our future. Gibbs Elementary mission of Learning together . Caring for each other . Believing in our future is in perfect alignment with We are All Antarctica. In preparation for my trip, we will count down starting Jan. 13th to Feb. 13th initial flight date. During this month, we are learning together about climate change and how we can have a personal connection to it, in our daily lives. How do scientists work together to discover the mysteries of climate change? What is the ice saying to us as it melts? What is the wildlife experiencing?
Learning vs Education
I'm preparing my proposal for a new organization called Start Some Good. After my travel to Antarctica, I plan to pilot curricular materials for Gibbs Elementary. The purpose is to connect the concepts of 'we are all in the same boat' and thttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifhat "other" is also "me". How does our inner climate of thoughts and feelings impact our actions in the outer climate of our family, our school, our neighborhood and ultimately the planet? What steps can we take to make the climate of our minds and hearts match with what we want the climate of our world to be?
Jerry Michalski of REXpedition:navigating massive change together says it nicely in Seeing Abundantly-our schools.
Jerry Michalski of REXpedition:navigating massive change together says it nicely in Seeing Abundantly-our schools.
Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd
A heartfelt thanks to all the contributors to We are All Antarctica!
I'm learning the balancing act between the focus on the content and meaning of the project, while asking for gifts to make it happen. I began my research in 2002, at the Byrd Polar Research Center at Ohio State University. What strikes me about Admiral Richard E. Byrd is the complexity of what he did.
The content: to fly over the South Pole, to study the ice, to claim new territory for the U.S.A. The process: to obtain plenty of funds to make the expedition happen successfully, to get corporate sponsorships, to get media coverage. All in an era without fax, email and internet!
Although Admiral Byrd is a controversial subject, I learn tons from his presence on the planet!
He lived from 1888 to 1957.
I'm learning the balancing act between the focus on the content and meaning of the project, while asking for gifts to make it happen. I began my research in 2002, at the Byrd Polar Research Center at Ohio State University. What strikes me about Admiral Richard E. Byrd is the complexity of what he did.
The content: to fly over the South Pole, to study the ice, to claim new territory for the U.S.A. The process: to obtain plenty of funds to make the expedition happen successfully, to get corporate sponsorships, to get media coverage. All in an era without fax, email and internet!
Although Admiral Byrd is a controversial subject, I learn tons from his presence on the planet!
He lived from 1888 to 1957.
Roald Amundsen
I'm inspired today by the 100th anniversary of Norwegian explorer, Roald Amundsen, as the first person to reach the South Pole!
I saw the exhibit in the Minneapolis airport, as well, in October. I don't think it's an accident that I grew up in the cold climate of Minnesota. Great preparation for an Antarctic experience!
I saw the exhibit in the Minneapolis airport, as well, in October. I don't think it's an accident that I grew up in the cold climate of Minnesota. Great preparation for an Antarctic experience!
Ross Sea
Ted Scambos of the National Snow and Ice Data center, in Boulder, CO is endorsing my project. He recently returned from measuring ice near the East Base, Antarctica which my father helped set up on Admiral Byrd's 3rd expedition to the South Pole. I found a post about Diving Under the Ice in the Ross Sea, near that area, as well.