Absolutely amazing
21st March, 2008The last two days have been absolutely amazing. Wednesday was a sunny and beautiful day (a change from the blizzard like weather on Tuesday) which made for a smooth ride on the zodiac and a ´dry landing´ (i.e. we did not have to walk through water to get to shore). It was such a great feeling as I took my first steps on the continent of Antarctica – something only about 150,000 people have ever experienced.
We were greeted by the locals, penguins and lion seals, and I was able to spend time exploring the magnificent landscape. It was a surreal vision to see glaciers, mountains, and the ocean within meters (yep, learning the metric system) from each other. I climbed the mountains and played with the penguins – Flat Stanley had an amazing time.
Today, Thursday, our wake up call ´Team Inspire, Team Inspire, Team Inspire´ was at 7:30 am with a departure for a new landing on Antarctica at 10:30 am. We climbed a hill that was about 300 meters and had a Leadership on the Edge training. During the middle of a discussion on Trust – we heard a loud ´crack´ and a glacier started breaking apart - one piece at a time until only a 1/3 of the glacier remained.
Tomorrow is camping in -10 degrees Celsius…layers, layers, layers!
Does the Easter Bunny visits Antarctica? I bet it would be hard for him to hide colorful eggs in the white landscape… We check your blog often. Thanks again for taking Flat Stanley on the trip with you!! Ryan is always super excited to see the pictures you send. People around the office often ask how you’re doing and are excited for you as well. Hope you continue to enjoy your adventure and keep warm =)
Trish, Jim, Ryan and Zach
Posted by Patricia Deck on 03/21/08, 10:58 am
Mel-O….although you’re not here, we continue to live each day in the O-Zone!! Sounds like you’re having a wonderfully chilling experience! You are missed, a few minor firecrackers, but no bombs yet. Be safe.
Posted by Alicia Berkitt on 03/21/08, 3:05 pm
Dear Aunt Missie,
Thank you for taking Flat Stanley to play with the penguins. I wish I was there to play with the penguins with you & Flat Stanley.
Happy Easter,
Ryan
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox
Posted by Ryan on 03/21/08, 9:18 pm
Missy
This old lady is so green with envy. What an experience!!! If I had a bucket list this would sure be on it. How great it is that you are sharing your experience with us. I love all the different views. Have a blessed Happy Easter
Love Pam
Posted by Pam Krusac on 03/22/08, 9:57 am
I’ll try this again. I sent you one yesterday several hours before Ryan’s, but I don’t see it there. Wouldn’t want you to think we weren’t thinking of you. Even if we aren’t, wouldn’t want you to think that! Of course…we’re thinking of you… constantly & as I watched the video with the small boat crossing from ship to land I decided everybody there could stand a few more prayers being said for them. I also mentioned that if you hadn’t met Inez Rupprecht you needed to. Her posts are hysterical. I had tears running down my cheeks from laughing so hard. Seems like you would like each other.
All is well here. Ryan has been great all week. He & G’pa washed cars, mowed the yard, & generally worked around outside yesterday. It got into the 70’s. Wouldn’t want you to think I’m rubbing it in. Today is just supposed to be in the 50’s & the wind is pretty strong. Jim stopped by to get the wheelbarrow & it’s a little nippy out there. Of course, I’m sure you could tell me about NIPPY!!! Not to mention DOWN RIGHT COLD!
We’ll be thinking of you tomorrow, Easter. Won’t be the same without you. :O( Ryan & I colored eggs yesterday…missed you all over again. :O(
How nice of Tammy Hayes & Pam Krusac to send posts! :O) You get posts from them & not one from your mother. Bummer! Hopefully this one will go thru.
Burke is getting married at the Chicago courthouse on 4/5. Celebration to be in Barcelona next summer. Sandy’s hoping for a USA celebration this summer.
Love you lots. Keep having fun & enjoy every minute. We are living vicariously thru you & are so proud of you. (Let us know what the temp is when you post your diaries.)
luv ya! Mom, Dad, & Ryan 4/22/08 11:05 a.m. xoxo
Posted by Mom, Dad, & Ryan on 03/22/08, 11:07 am
Here’s hoping Aunt Missie & Flat Stanley have the “bestest” Easter ever. Your baskets have been left in the usual place waiting for you when you get home. I left goodies for everyone…Mom, Dad, Jim, Trish, Steve, Marie, Ryan, & the newest addition, Zach. I’m trying to make my way to Antarctica, but it’s so cold down there. I just have bunny fur, no merino wool to keep me warm, & only 1 layer at that. I’ll try to make it. Maybe there’s an Easter Penguin down there! Happy Easter!
The Easter Bunny
Posted by The Easter Bunny on 03/23/08, 12:15 am
A nice Easter was had by all, but you sure were missed. When we went outside so Ryan could hunt for Easter eggs we complained about the cold…50 degrees & a strong wind. (Beautifully sunny.) Then, as one, we decided that compared to where you were, it really wasn’t so bad here; you would probably think it was quite balmy. The Easter Bunny brought your basket. Steve took it home with him so you can pick thru it when you get home. On the one hand I’m so anxious for you to be back & tell us all about your trip. On the other, I wish it would keep going ’cause I know you’re having such a great time. Just enjoy every minute. We’ll see you Thursday.
luv ya!
mom & dad xoxo
Posted by Mom & Dad on 03/23/08, 6:33 pm
Hey Babe, Sounds like you are having a wonderful time. Just wanted to let you know that the house is still standing (and clean), and that I am so very proud of you. I love you and miss you greatly. Can’t wait to see you on Thursday!!! hugs and kisses. I know it is cold there, but I can relate, it was only 51 degrees and sunny here today, burrrr!! Layers, layers, I actually had a sweater on over my shirt. Steve O
Posted by Steve Outlaw on 03/23/08, 9:04 pm
Hey girl, Madison & I miss you! We cannot wait to see you again. She had a great time eating lots of chocolate bunnies and hunting Easter eggs. She found $5. Woo Hoo! She & I are praying that you have a wonderful experience and that you are safe. She also wanted me to tell you that you need to take her shopping for shoes! Only you know how to do that right!
Love ya, Misty & Madison
Posted by Misty & Madison on 03/24/08, 11:44 am
Hi Melissa….oh come on…. - 10 degrees celsius is the average daily temperature here!!! That’s not cold, that’s down right balmy. lol. I check the photos and videos and, as you know, am ridiculously jealous and wish I could be there along side you to experience this. I hope you stay safe and warm. Don’t forget to wear your tuque and mittens.
Your Canadian Colleague,
Elena.
Posted by Elena on 03/24/08, 1:33 pm
Zach says that he really missed having Aunt Missie there to help him hunt for eggs. He says “Mom’s back just hasn’t been the same since I was born and she couldn’t bend down to pick up the eggs I found while carrying me at the same time. That’s an Aunt Missie job!” Hope you had a nice Easter. Did the Easter Snow Bunny hide any eggs? I bet they were easy to find in the white landscape! We noticed that it was awfully quiet on Easter without you… ;)
Hope you’re having a fun and safe time, Love Jim, Trish, Ryan and Zach
Posted by Patricia Deck on 03/24/08, 3:18 pm
To Melissa (Marco Polo) Outlaw……Your father says hi. Glad your having a great time down under, the down under. I understand that Neko Harbour has the best merlow made south of the Antarctic Circle. I may be mistaken but I’m sure that’s what I heard. I also heard that if you have a Cuervo, you have a terrible time finding a lime. We miss you and can’t wait to hear all the stories. You might want to make notes so you don’t forget the good parts. I know how you are………….Love you…………Have a safe trip…….Love Dad
Posted by Dad on 03/25/08, 8:46 am