We’ve arrived!
17th March, 2008This morning there were birds flying all around the boat. Petrels, Albatross, and even Chinstrap Penguins resting in the open water. We sighted our first humpback whales this morning - a tremendous rush – only to be even more blown away when we sighted our first iceberg! It was so close that it seemed as if you could practically reach out and touch it. A pristine, splendid white mountain floating in the sea. Breathtaking. It was hard to grasp that it was even real. The day continued to amaze. We arrived at Bellingshausen around 6pm, after cruising by a tremendous glacier and seeing our first penguins!
I’ve been so thankful that we had such a calm crossing of the Drake Passage. We lost about 10-15 people for about 48 hours due to seasickness, but I am happy to report that I wasn’t one of them! We’ve been passing the time with basic activities, such as talking, playing cards, putting golf balls in our lounge, and attending brief lectures on climate change and local wildlife. We’ve also started shooting a remake of “Titanic”….minus the sinking part of course. It’s amazing what you can come up with to pass the time when there are no TVs to watch and you feel too sick to read!
I’ll sign off for now, and will hope that I have another blogging opportunity before too long. A special hello to everyone at Oliver Wyman, especially the NA EA Team. Marylou…give Boo a kiss for me! Hi Mom!
So good to hear from you! I know from reading other entries since you wrote that things got a bit rougher, having to spend the night further out in rough seas ,etc. so I hope you managed that OK…and the Zodiac ride, etc.! Thinking of you, sending you love…Mom
Posted by Dottie Wylie on 03/18/08, 5:15 pm
Just wanted to wish IAE 2008 good luck in this FANTASTIC journey! Try to memorize every tiny moment! Believe me, this trip will change your life forever! Hugs to Jumper and Robert!
Asel ’small Jumper’ :) - member of IAE5
Posted by Asel Ibraimkhanova on 03/19/08, 3:59 am
Lauren Wylie: say, did you ever get that hug, I requested from a staff person????? they missed out if One didn’t get to you….but there is still much time… All is well here and it seems your journey is being followed closely by us, several times a day…….and the list of participants, you have quite a number of nationalities around you…….(any Croatians???????????) they are the tall attractive and handsome ones……) Be well, love tom
Posted by tom filcich on 03/19/08, 10:56 pm
HEY CUZ! Was just checking in on you here. Sounds like an amazing time you’re having. Please be safe - I can’t wait to hear all about this when you get back! I love you - Al
Posted by Allison Wylie on 03/20/08, 10:13 am
Hi my little one!!!!!!! Today I printed the map where you are located, I did not form the days before!!Sorry!! Don’t forget my penguin!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We miss you !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! All the family members say hi, including Belle and Cabron Mother.
Posted by Mother on 03/20/08, 10:24 am
Lauren, Sounds like you’re having an amazing experience! Can’t wait to see your photos & footage! Stay warm!
Posted by Norma Salcido on 03/20/08, 10:50 am
HI LAUREN WYLIE: Today it snowed here in Bend, Oregon…It started at 9:00am and ended at 9:15 am….Can you top that????? its actually called “gropple….” according to the weather-guy….it floats down in very small “pellets” …thats it for the news from Bend Oregon…I trust you are well and as a reminder, there really isn’t a 5th avenue in Manhatten, or even a Manhatten, full of a million people…….love from the north, way-north, tom
Posted by tom filcich on 03/20/08, 12:53 pm
Lauren-
I love reading your entries. Your imagery is so vivid that I feel like I’m right there! It sounds amazing - as I’m sure it is better than any of your expectations! See ya soon. xoxo -dierdre
Posted by Dierdre on 03/20/08, 3:23 pm
Hi Lauren! It’s simply incredible to read about your experience on this amazing expedition! I am in awe of everything you are witnessing and the knowledge you are gaining. I can’t wait to hear all about it in person! I’m going to guess that the Titantic reenactment (minus the sinking) was your idea? Your little girl misses you terribly and can’t wait to see you! She’s also had quite an adventure while you’ve been away - lots of time at the Stuyvesant Dog Park (she’s still not sure what to do, but she’s getting the hang of it), a ride in a grocery cart at KMart (security made me put her in one), and even a trip to The Hamptons! Quite an eventful time for such a young thing. Not unlike her momma! Take it in, breathe it in, and be safe! Love you! Miss you! xoxo Lou
Posted by Marylou on 03/20/08, 5:09 pm