A day of firsts
18th March, 2008Today was a day of firsts. In the morning I got to see my first pod of whales. At first only the spray from their blowholes was visible, but they soon came near to the bow of the ship, and I could see them as they came to the surface of the waves. Shortly afterward I got to see my first iceberg. It was truly an awesome sight; a huge, craggy peak of ice rising out of the blue waters of the Antarctic sea. And finally, today, I got my first view of the continent of Antarctica, King George Island. The island seemed very far off, shrouded in mist, almost invisible, but as our ship sailed further inland the beautiful shores and icy cliffs of Antarctica loomed out of the fog. Tomorrow we will go ashore for the first time. I am excited to see what awaits me, and what Antarctica has in store for me. This has been an amazing journey so far, but it has only just begun, and I am sure that there is much more in store to amaze me.
It is so exciting to read about your expdition and experiences. Looking forward to following your adventures over the next 2 weeks. Thanks for sharing it all with us.
Posted by Mary Ann Robinson on 03/19/08, 8:11 pm
Hi to Emma from cold windy Pennsylvania. Not as cold as you are, I’m sure! We are waiting to hear more from you, hoping everything is OK - do post a comment or send an email or another blog for the Daily Local News.
The team members’ descriptions of boarding the Zodiacs, your first steps on land, the iceberg melting, the Orcas - just amazing!
Mom
Posted by Marguerite Gould on 03/21/08, 9:32 am
Hello Emma: I can’t describe the excitement I feel when I read your entries and those of your expedition mates. The videos and pictures of your time on land with the ice shelf calving huge chunks into the ocean just yards from where you were sitting sends shivers up my spine. And how spectacular to have seen the family of Orcas cross just in front of the bow of your ship. Did you actuall see the leopard seal that appears on the 2041 expedition website video? And later today you’ll camp out overnight in tents?!?!… It’ll probably be a just a wee bit different from our days gone by of camping in the forests and around lakes of Pennsylvania, New York and West Vriginia, I suspect. How spectacular that you get to have these experiences now and what a changed person I’m sure you’ll be when you return. I love to read and view the dispatches about what you’re learning from Robert Swan on climate change, environmental conservation and life leadership skills. And I can’t wait to hear in person everything you have experienced and all the wonderful people you’ve come to know in the process. Stay well, stay warm, be safe and above all enjoy which I’m sure won’t be too hard. We all love you and we wait with great anticipation for your next dispatch of wonderful experiences in Antarctica. All my love to, Squidger. Dad
Posted by William Gould on 03/21/08, 12:51 pm
Heya Emma! WOW! What amazing sights you must be seeing! What amazing things you must be doing! Nicki and I watched a few of the videos and it is unreal - the crashing iceberg and the adorable penguins and graceful whales…all the best to you and your fellow explorers - I can’t wait to hear more about your experience and see more photos. Safe trip home…Judi
Hi Emma! Its Nicki and I just wanted to say that I hope you are having an amazing time! Have fun! <3 Nicki
Posted by Judi Ivins on 03/23/08, 12:54 pm