Sustainability in paradise
24th March, 2008Last night I got to do the thing that I had been looking forward to the most on the expedition: camping on Antarctica. We landed at Dorian’s Bay and hiked up to the crest of a glacier to make camp. At first it was all fun and jokes and then we saw the black clouds of a storm fast approaching us from across the bay. Suddenly it was a mad scramble to pitch the tents and make snow walls to act as blocks against the howling wind. When we’d set up our campsites I snuggled into my sleeping bag and bunked down for the night. I was warm and toasty all night in my tent. When I woke up in the morning the sun was just beginning to rise. A little ways off from our camp site there was a huge, craggy mountain that the sun was coming up behind. The first rays of light made gold and pink and purple clouds that seemed to be shooting out from the mountain. The sight was absolutely breathtaking to see. Later this afternoon the expedition members did another landing at the Argentinean base at Paradise Bay. Paradise Bay is supposed to be one of the most beautiful places on the Antarctic continent, and I have to say I that I don’t disagree. Enormous, rocky mountain sloping right into the water and hanging glaciers encircle the entire bay. We had a Leadership on the Edge workshop at the base of a mountain, where we presented our strategies for creating environmentally friendly and sustainable energy programs in our businesses, schools and homes. After the workshop we hiked up the glacier to a snow slide that a few of the leaders had made. I slide all the way down the mountain on my stomach. It was great fun and I successfully managed to pack a large amount of snow down the front of my pants. That’s all for now. All my love to those at home, I’ll be seeing you guys soon!
Wow, Emma. All I can say is that I wish I were seeing, exploring and doing what you have had a chance to experience these past 10 or so days. I hope you have loads of pictures and lots of indelible memories to relate to us when you get back. Keep the blogs and impressions coming. Enjoy the people you’re sharing this profound experience with and know that we all support you in your efforts to promote the memories, values and concepts you’ve developed during this expedition. I miss your shining face and bubbly presence and can’t wait to learn as much from you as I can in how we can join you in making a difference, like you’ve done in so many ways at your young age.
I love you and can’t wait to see you later this week.
All my love, Dad
Posted by William Gould on 03/24/08, 11:33 am
Emma- It’s Mary Kate - your mom’s friend from WCU!! I am so happy to hear that you are experiencing these new and exciting adventures. Much of our growing life experiences come from being away from our families!! Good luck, stay warm and safe travels back!!
Mary Kate Andris
Posted by Mary Kate Andris on 03/25/08, 2:51 pm