The past few days have been a whirlwind of experiences. These were not experiences that most people will ever have; travelling to the most southern part of South America, swimming in a lagoon formed by a glacier, waving goodbye to people on land as the distance between you and them becomes greater and greater, and the distance between the people on the boat and Antarctica becomes less and less. It is amazing to think that I have made so many friends from so many different countries, met adults that in some cases have made more than fifty trips to the Antarctica, and seen penguins in just a few days. Being with so many people from all over the world has made me realize that one of the only real boundaries between all of us are those of our different places of residence, and that although it may be a terrible cliche, we are all more or less the same as human beings. Furthermore, that a connection between us and nature can be much more easily formed than perhaps previously thought.
So, as the Drake Passage opens unto us, I think it is important to remember to be open to all that comes to us.
- Madison Miller, Participant
I have reached Miami. I am on my way to Santiago, Chile. I have met many of the 80 strong team members during the few hours I have spent in the airport hotel. Among the many qualified experts and vibrant personalities I met Linda, the Art Instructor, who shared interesting stories about rowdy train rides in Russia and the wisdom of the Inuit tribes of the Arctic, and Lee, the energetic photographer who honed her skills in the bush of Australia and has already been to Antarctica twice this year. On my way over I felt the unbridled excitement of adventure on no sleep. I thought of all that helped to get me here; all the letters, conversations, planning, funds, effort, patience and hope of so many people. I felt the pressure to deliver, to be all that is expected of me. I thought of everything I have done that has prepared me for this moment. When it all comes down to it though, it's all in front of me. Shackleton interviewed the men of the Endurance expedition for generally 15 minutes before signing them on, with thousands of applicants to compare to. Their human fiber, aura, general impression, or whatever you want to call it was enough to see what kind of adventurer they would make. Some had limited or partially finished education of their field or little experience with exploration but they stood out. Some had been working menial jobs and just scraping by. What I take from this amazing phenomenon, that these men went on to prove themselves as some of the most hardy explorers in the history of time, is that I need to focus on the moment- that action defines character and that this will define the success of my expedition.
Antarctica Ho! .... Trevor Wallace, Participant
Spending time here in Ushuaia is the stepping stones to our purpose, and yet we have already been exposed to so much. Two hikes to the most breathtaking areas in existence that had us clutching our trembling knees, red faced. Today coming over the last of the three "hills" the view of La Laguna Esmeralda shook everything I ever expected. The water, emerald green sparkling in the drifting sunlight taunted some to venture into its depths. The reflection of the crested mountains upon the Laguna’s surface laughed with each water trickle and teased our imaginations. The beauty of Ushuaia far surpasses anything imaginable and the educational experiences have already changed my life for the better. Actually arriving in Antarctica is rattling in my brain with excitement. :)
- Brooke Allen, Participant
Four hours into the Drake Passage and so far so good! I'm choosing to take the natural approach and I am attempting to make the voyage without taking sea-sick meds. We'll see how long that lasts. I can already tell a huge difference in the outside temp and wind chill! The Drake Passage has two names, Drake Shake, and Drake Lake. We have been lucky enough so far at least to be on Drake Lake minus a few exceptions. I have (for the most part) settled into my new home for the next eleven days and I find it quite cozy. I picked the bottom bunk purely based around the fact that there aren't very protective gates on the top bunk and with my luck I'd roll right off the bed! I have high hopes of seeing the stars and sunrises in Antarctica, but my hopes are slowly becoming more difficult with the realization that sunrise happens in the early a.m. hours when I'm still sound asleep. I have been so confused on time since arriving in Ushuaia! With the skies light from the time I get up at 7 until I go to bed at 11, I can never tell when it is dinner time! I'm getting kicked off the computers now because it is past curfew but I'm crossing my fingers to wake up to calm seas and clear skies. I secretly hope that we get to experience the Drake Shake for at least a day or so to officially say we have survived some of the harshest ocean conditions on earth! The accommodations and food have greatly surpassed my highest expectations and my excitement is growing every minute we draw closer to ANTARCTICA!!!
- Sarah Hovey, Participant
I'm typing this with a few people looking over my shoulder waiting for me to finish (and even trying to convince us to give up my spot but I'm NOT doing that). That's probably because today was a big day, and everyone needs to write about it. I suppose typing is easier than writing for our personal journals. Age of technology, right?
Today, we listened to a lecture about whales and the infamous Drake Passage, attended artistic workshops, enjoyed lunch in town (with amazing fish!), and wandered around Ushuaia for a few hours. Those were all interesting. ut they are all overshadowed by MAIN event of today- leaving land and confining myself to a ship for the next many days. Seeing the crew lift the ramp from the ship and store it away was the most terrifying sight so far. Yet, it's the event that has begun this whole spectacular (well, supposedly :)) expedition. The ship is amazing, no exaggeration. There are two beds for two people in my cabin, a pretty decent bathroom with a drain right in the middle, two paintings, two closets, a sink by my bed, and a portal-type window with a great view into the world outside. I was expecting much less, like a blanket on a metal shelf and a toilet for ten people. The food is amazing as well; the appetizer was a platter of cheeses and tomatoes with an olive-garlic sauce. I know all of these things are of little importance, but I'm pretty sure everyone else will be writing about the beautiful landscape and the oh-so-wonderful penguins, so I'll do something different. At least, I hope it's different.
As for everyone's greatest fear- seasickness, it will start today at night. Right now, I can feel every movement of the ship, but it's not exceedingly uncomfortable. Tonight, however, we will enter the infamous Drake Passage known also as the Drake Shake. We were told to Drake-proof our cabin by hiding everything in drawers and preparing the "barf bags". Ehh, we'll see. Geoff did say not to worry- it will ONLY last for two days. I hope that was sarcasm. :)
Anyway, curfew is in precisely two minutes so I think I'm off. Let's see how sleep feels on a wobbly ship. Oh, and HI to everybody back home. And CZEZC BABUSHKA I PHILIPEK!
- Aleksandra Makowska, Participant
I’m sorry that I didn’t journal yesterday but apparently when I did it was too late. Yesterday was very fun; I swam in a lagoon, the “Laguna Esmeralda” at that. It was freezing cold but very fun. It was only me and a few others but everyone else promised they would go in the Antarctic. The hike was fun, but long and muddy. I got stuck at least 8 or so times but I was lucky I didn’t fall in.
Anyway, let’s move on to today. Right now it’s a little rocky in the boat but for now, I’m handling it. Oh, and before I forget, I just wanted to tell you, mum and dad, that my phone is out of battery. That’s why I haven’t been able to send a text. Today, we were all very excited to wake up and leave. Ushuaia was very nice, don’t get me wrong, but we were all itching to get to Antarctica, even if it did involve crossing the Drake Shake! We left Ushuaia about 6 hours ago, it’s six o’clock here in the Beagle Channel. We are supposed to get into the Shake in about 2 hours… I have mixed emotions about it, but hey, it’s all part of the experience. I’m really excited to get to Antarctica and it’s hard to believe that we’ve been on this trip for just about 5 days. We already saw our first penguins, but they were the type that only exists in South America. Still, penguins!! Everyone was excited and right now lots of people are on deck looking for more.
I better go now because everyone is really excited to write and is urging me to hurry so I will, but not without telling my parents that I really love them and thank them for all their support. This is definitely an experience of a lifetime!
- Bilaal Rajan, Participant
Hi Mom! I know you're worried, but I'm completely fine and having the greatest time, words cannot describe how much in awe I am.
I was so exhausted yesterday, but that was most likely because we went on a 10 km hike, or approximately 6.2 miles to Laguna Esmeralda through muddy hills, dirt, streams and everything slippery (I almost fell on my butt, but due to my "amazing" balance I didn't or maybe it was the Argentine guy that became our personal escort). I did not realize anything could be so beautiful. As soon as I started to see the sights and feel the fresh air, I was awoken and rejuvenated. The weather and climate changed so quickly, it was so different to what I am used to. It went from forest to practically knee deep mud (definitely not the cleanest) to waterfalls, it was incredible. When we reached the top I was speechless, and I know that it sounds cliche, but that's the absolute truth. Even the "nature filled bathroom" was beautiful. It started to pelt hail when we started down, and even then I thought it was great. Everything about this place is incredible and unbelievable. If this is just the beginning and we aren't even in Antarctica yet, then I have no idea what to expect. The only fear I truly have is not being able to take it all in and experience enough. As Geoff said, we are "leaving civilization behind," but even that did not make me nervous! We set sail earlier today, but I am in shock. The boat has just begun to put this whole experience into perspective. The boat has just begun to shake!
Last day in 2009, bring on the Drake Shake because I'm psyched!
- Brooke Cotta, Participant
From the start I really can't believe I have come so far on this expedition. From leaving my family and friends to seeing Ice bergs and penguins. In such a short time I have traveled to several places. From taking a plane to New Jersey, North Carolina, Florida and then Chile and Ushuaia, Argentina – this has been an incredible experience.
Four days have passed now and as I am on the ship looking through my small window, I see the blue ocean. Out of my 17 years I would have never thought my life would head in this way, bringing so much knowledge and connections in my life. Having the chance to go on a ship and sailing in the ocean with 89 diverse and interesting individuals is a once in a lifetime experience that will not be forgotten. As I was thinking of boarding the ship today I kind of felt nervous and begin to have negative thoughts. But with the words of Olle I felt so much better. He has been on so many expeditions over several times and with simple words he made me feel secure and calm. The Drake Passage is something that is feared the most in this ship, but for me it will be a challenge I will gladly face. This Expedition will bring so many surprises and so many lessons that will be significant in the time being within my lifetime. Also hello to everyone that reads this I love you all.
- Estefani Chimbo
Finally I’ve gotten around to doing an entry, every moment has been no less than thrilling the past couple days. I can hardly believe it’s been only 5 days since I departed out of Boston at 3 am. They all seem to mash together when I recall my travels. Each day brings new challenges and eye opening experiences dealing from things that range from 6 mile treks to glacial lagoons to conversing in broken Spanish with the friendly citizens of Chile and Ushuaia. The other student expeditioners were extremely enthusiastic and supportive of the all proceedings leading up to our departure on the ship (the Ushuaia). I love being immersed in their company and I feel many of us will be lifelong friends.
I’m glad I could write on this day of all days as the feelings of excitement are fresh as today we left on the boat for Antarctica! The seas have been calm so far on the Beagle Channel and the accommodations are so luxurious that I can hardly tell I’m not on vacation. The scenery all around is beautiful as we stride more and more outward approaching the Drake Passage. Secretly I hope that the seas display more of a “Drake Shake” demeanor as we would probably all have so much with the wild jostling and have more of an adventure! Chances look good as the Drake Passage is notorious for having the behavior of one of the world’s roughest seas! Bring it on!!
I wish to tell but now it is curfew. I wish you all goodnight and by the way, I love my roommate! We are both from Massachusetts, this brings me joy inside.
- Victoria Hoffman, Participant
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3:27pm Update We have just updated yesterday's page with many new photos and journals - do take a look!
(And now a small note about our student journals. Though we encourage all of our students to journal now and then, only a small portion of them decide to do so. The days and evenings on board are full of adventure and education - and if a student is not writing journals, it usually means that they are otherwise engaged and having a fabulous time out on deck looking at icebergs or talking with other students or staff or busy with a pod group and working on a specific project! Journals are typed up and submitted to our communications coordinators who send us these updates and photos each day via a BGAN satellite system.)
In less than an hour, the team will board the MV Ushuaia and check into their cabins. It's always an exciting time on board. Upon checking in, students then spend an hour or so exploring the ship and/or tucking into the Welcome Buffet that the ship's crew provides in the Ship's Lounge
for its guests. There will be lots to see and experience!
At 6:00 p.m. or so, the ship will clear customs, the last of its visitors will depart, ropes and the gangway will be hauled aboard, and the Captain will announce departure with a mighty blast of the ship's horn -- and on that note, the Students on Ice Expedition 2009 will pull edge away from the pier and head out into the Beagle Channel! The students and staff will spend an hour or so out on deck watching Ushuaia disappear behind them, enjoying their first taste of life at sea.
Following a special Welcome Dinner in the Ship's restaurant, there will be safety briefings in the Lounge and an obligatory lifeboat drill, led by ship's Captain and officers.
Tomorrow by this time, the ship will be more than half way across the Drake Passage!
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11:08am Update
Good morning and welcome to our last day in Ushuaia! All of our Participants are well and happy - and extremely excited about boarding the ship this afternoon and setting sail for Antarctica!
It's a beautiful, sunny day in Ushuaia. This morning, after breakfast, the team participated in a few educational workshops. David Fletcher spoke about the famous explorer Ernest Shackleton, Fred Roots spoke about the Drake Passage, and Olle Carlsson about whales. If you haven't visited our Educational Team page, you may want to give it a visit to learn more about all of these polar experts!
Presently, everyone is trekking over to a local restaurant for a big lunch, and afterwards participants will have a couple of hours of free time to explore downtown Ushuaia in small groups before boarding our buses, and heading off to the ship around 4 p.m.
We have just received some updates from yesterday's adventures, including photos and Student Journals, and we are in the process of updating them now!
Stay Tuned for Further Updates!
