EXPEDITION UPDATE:
The Drake Passage Thursday, Dec. 21

Posted at 10:36am EST
by Students on Ice Headquarters

A couple of journals just trickled in. Geoff reports calm seas and a busy ship, bustling with activity.

All is well!

***********************************************
Student Journals

Anya and Christina, Students
(written Dec 20)

This morning we woke up and got ready to go on our first excursion – a hike through the Tierra Del Fuego National Park.  Anya and I were amazed by the sheer beauty of the mountains.  The air was amazing as opposed to the air in Arizona and California.  It was so fresh and non-polluted; it felt wonderful and clean.  We wanted to take it in a jar and bring it home with us!  Too bad our nasty, polluted air would ruin it.  The park was so beautiful. The tall, majestic mountains capped with snow and the clear sparkling water took our breath away.  We learned about how the beavers have taken over and destroyed some of the park and have offset the normal ecosystem.  After our first expedition we went into the quaint little town of Ushuaia.  It was unique and picturesque.  We looked around in all the little shops and were drawn to some of the true tourist stores and items.  After exploring this amazing little town (we decided we could totally live there), we boarded the ship.

WOW!  It is so nice.  The rooms are great and the staff is so friendly.  Anya and I spent all of our time out in that nice fresh air. It was so gorgeous, and felt so nice after spending two days in airports and 19 hours in the air but it was all worth it. We had a briefing that introduced all of the educational staff and they were all very passionate about what they specialize in, which makes us excited to learn all the great information they have to share.  

Now we are sitting on the ship’s observation lounge and it is so calming and relaxing; it's way better than normal life and we haven’t even gotten to the “coolest” place on earth yet – Antarctica!  We can’t wait to keep everybody updated about our amazing journey. 

To Mrs. Wooten and Mrs. Crawford: You will have a blast and I really hope we are able to pull this off!! Anya says hi to my family and to my awesome friends who have been almost more excited than me! Thanks to everybody who supported us and we will keep you updated!

****************************************

David Otten, Student
(written Dec 20)

Well, after two days of travel, and one full day in Ushuaia, we are finally on our way to Antarctica. We had an amazing excursion to the Emerald Lagoon. This was an unforgettable trek with only one slight drawback – we had the muddiest pants that I have seen.  It was really funny actually, seeing our good ol’ buddies screaming and moaning every time they stepped in mud! I tried to find a shortcut, but failed miserably.  However, the entire hike was worth it and the lagoon was so incredibly cool.  The water was so pure that people could actually drink it.  The guides were fantastic and they helped most of the delegation find decent shoes to hike in.  Mariella, a good friend, discovered, to her dismay, that she was accidentally spattering mud on people’s faces walking behind her because she was simply lifting her legs to crawl.  She couldn’t stop laughing about that, and about the fact that a friend of hers howled and moaned every time her foot got caught in the mud.

Anyway, the first full day was so great and I can’t wait until I get to Antarctica.  Even though my friends told me to bring back a penguin for them, I unfortunately will not be able to do that.  I am looking forward to seeing them though.  I also can’t wait to get into the Zodiacs.  They should be great!

To my family, if you’re reading this, I want to wish you a Merry Christmas.  Say “Hi” to Aunt Katherine and Uncle David, and any other unexpected, strange relative that might appear at our door.  See you in a few weeks.

******************************************

Sandra McCubbin - Sudent

Today we have spent the entire day at sea as we cross the Drake Passage on our way to Antarctica.  We had three awesome introductory lectures and spent our free time on the deck looking for seabirds and soaking in the fresh sea air.  After dinner we gathered in the lecture hall again to watch the IMAX version of Sir Earnest Shackleton’s Antarctic Endurance expedition.  Reading Alfred Lansing’s book “Endurance” was inspiring but watching this film in a lecture hall overlooking the Drake Passage on our way to Elephant Island tomorrow was an experience I’ll never forget.  Now it’s off to bed but before I close I’d just like to say that from the bottom of my heart that this expedition has been the best thing that has ever happened in my life.  I know that this statement seems a bit premature, but already the friends I’ve made, what I’ve learned, the things I’ve done and the things I have seen  has been absolutely incredible. I don’t want this adventure to end!

*********************************************

Daniel Collins - Student     

Hello again everybody! Today has been very fun! This morning, Santiago made a wonderful presentation about the various flying birds of the Southern Ocean. Then, Eric made a spectacular presentation about the way that Earth has been formed, moves, and how Antarctica has come to be what it is. He also explained how some waves are formed and their effects on the Southern Ocean. Unfortunately, a few people have gotten seasick; I hope that they feel better soon. Tonight, we have a presentation about whales by Scobie which promises to be very fun. I can feel the temperature gradually getting lower, but I still feel fine in a T-shirt, jeans, and my fleece jacket. All we can see out the windows is ocean, but we have seen a few birds. Also, there is a contest to see who can predict when we will see the first iceberg and when we will cross the Antarctic Convergence Zone. I predicted 2:15 AM tomorrow for the iceberg so about a quarter after midnight EST, and about 9:00  AM (7 AM EST) for the crossing. I can’t wait to see the continent, but I also can’t wait to get home and share the experience. I hope everyone who follows along can gain something from our journals and pictures. Until next time, may the penguins be with you!!!!

***********************************************

John Paydo - Chaperone and Jason Archimandritis – Student

Right now we are sailing through the Drake Passage which is also known as the Funnel because of the rough seas and it is where the major oceans of the world converge.  The voyage on the Drake Passage is often described as either the Drake Shake or Drake Lake.  It just depends on how rough it is.  Jason is amazed by the size of the ship and how the ocean seems to be in control of us.  We just finished our first lecture series on Seabirds of the Southern Ocean.  Santiago, the Education Team member who presented on the topic, has been to Antarctica 45 times.  The most amazing piece of information was the massive size of the birds that live in the sea.  Only 3 percent of the birds in the world today are able to live off of the sea without land.  In the world today, there are about 9,500 species of birds and 4,000 of them are found in the Southern Ocean.  Today we saw our first albatross and petrol. 

Geoff Green, our expedition leader, is hosting two competitions.  One is a pool of when we will have our first iceberg sighting.  Passengers on board have to guess the date and time of when they will spot the iceberg.  The iceberg must be larger than the size of an average house.  The other competition is about the convergence of the political and physical boundaries entering into Antarctic waters.  Again…..passengers have to guess date and time.  Below 60 degrees; the Antarctic Treaty comes into effect.  Right now, a lot of people are entertaining themselves.  Some are still unpacking their belongings in their room.  Some are on deck taking beautiful pictures.  Some are listing the wildlife sightings that they have seen.  Some participants are on the bridge learning about navigation and learning how ships operate.  Unfortunately some people have gotten seasick, but the seas are relatively calm.  The Drake Passage is treating us well.  It could’ve been an extremely rough journey. 

Jason would like to say hello to the people back home that are following his journey.  John would like to say hello to family and friends … especially his nieces and nephew …… Grace, Melissa, Katherine, Elizabeth, and Matthew. We are having the time of our lives.  This has been an amazing journey that is getting better and better as the hours. One of the most exciting parts of this trip is the fact that this is the last place on earth that is as it has been for thousands of years, without human intervention in the ecosystem. A question for everybody to ponder, “what is education for?”

************************************************

Kendra Lachine, SOI Participant Coordinator

Hello friends, family and everyone out there in cyber-land. It is now December 21st and we have been traveling, exploring and learning together for 6 days – hard to believe.  I wanted to take a moment to let all the parents, guardians, and teachers out there know what a wonderful group of student ambassadors we have on this expedition. In the short time we have spent together I have had the opportunity to hear some of their stories, visions, aspirations, and dreams and I can’t help but be impressed. 

All of the small hiccups, (airport delays and unexpected stopovers), that we have encountered have been handled by the students with maturity and understanding. Yesterday they had the opportunity to show their perseverance and willingness to meet challenges as they explored the Patagonia wilderness.  I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with such a diverse group of young adults who are so committed to continued learning. 

On a personal note: I am doing well and loving the excitement that each day brings. I have not yet seen an iceberg, penguin or the Antarctic Peninsula and I am already awe inspired.   This “space” truly reminds one of how small and insignificant they are in the big picture. I miss you all and will be excited to see you at the end of my journey. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year – and of course many hugs and kisses.

Warms wishes, Kendra

**********************************************

Marcia Sattelberg – Adult Expeditioner

Greetings to everyone in the Northwoods if Wisconsin.  Yesterday we left behind the “end of the world,” Ushuaia, Argentina, which is at the base of the Andes.  The views surrounding us as we sailed through the Beagle Channel were awesome. Several birds and even one species of penguins ushered us through the channel. Today we began the lecture series with discussions about Antarctic birds. A wandering albatross conveniently flew by at the end of the morning lectures. This afternoon we continue with lectures on the oceans surrounding Antarctica and the convergent zone at about 60 latitude. Attention Tomahawk Middle School!! If a wandering albatross can fly at 140 km/hr, how many miles per hour is it traveling?  Keep watching the website and following our travels.

M. Sattelberg

************************************************

Ryan Kits - Student

Good evening everybody back home. While you are all enjoying the Christmas season I am feeling a change inside myself. I think I have been bitten by what everybody calls the polar bug. I hoped that this expedition would kick me in a direction, and let me tell you all, I have never been so excited to feel my life changing so quickly and so drastically. I am learning so much about the history of this wonderful place, and the hardships and struggle that Shackleton and his men went through. I am growing surer and surer that I want to continue learning about this place--not just the history but EVERYTHING. Scobie told me that you can never know everything about Antarctica, that there is always something new to learn, and I am taking that to heart. I am so grateful that I was given this chance, and I really plan on making this all that it can be. I have never written this open before, but I feel free telling you all my true feelings!! I was saying… I am getting so much inspiration from Geoff, Diz, Scobie, and Olle and everybody else.  They are so in love with this place, I can’t even believe it. They are as excited to get to Antarctica now as the first time they arrived there, and that is just amazing to me.  I truly believe that I will convey the same feelings after this is over….but enough sappy heart to heart stuff!!

Hey dad, the water is blasting onto the bridge right now, and the bridge is 40 to 50 feet above the ocean - I got my butt blown around and soaked all day today! There are tons of other kids waiting to write journals, so I better get off. Do me a favor and look on a map and look for Elephant Island. That’s where I will be walking tomorrow--the same island that Sir Ernest and his men lived on for about four months. I am so in love with this place, I thank you mum and Dad so much, and I can’t wait to get home to tell you all about this oasis (even though it’s cold and snowy and icy, it is an oasis!!)  I miss you all--hey it’s the 21st lady--it’s the first of many.  I miss you and Merry Christmas!!

************************************************

Jessica Young-Keffer - Chaperone

Wow!  We’re finally in the Drake Passage, en route to Antarctica!  Sea-sickness has officially set in for many on the boat…  including me.  For those who know me, this should come as no surprise.  I’m quite amazed to see how many students are a-o-k with this ride!  Kudos to them!  For those who are in fact sick, the “patch”/gravol, liquids, fresh air and sleep seem to be helping.  Somewhat J  Hopefully it doesn’t get any bumpier.  (Fingers-crossed!).

Once again, I’d like to say hello to my husband (Kyle), parents (Ron & Lynn), and sister (Jen) who are all following my adventure.  I miss you all!  And to other friends and family following our trip, hello to you too, and thanks for all your support!

Lots of love and hugs xoxo

*************************************************

Mariella Paulino - Student

Howdy everyone,

We are now on the Polar Star on our way to Antarctica! The ship so far has been amazing although I still am constantly getting lost on the decks! I am proud to say that I have not gotten seasick. Anyway, I feel the ship is going extremely slow, it feels even slower than the ferry back home! I wish the ride was more like the wooden rollercoaster at Play land rather than ridding the ponies at the mall!  Let’s hope for the most amazing adventure on Drake Passage. 

Peace & Love, Marie

**************************************************

Valerie Perez - Student

Well today is the 21st and we are still on sea and were almost to Antarctica. We should be arriving tomorrow. Well I know this our journal entries and we should be writing about what we’ve learned so far I think but I want to talk about what I’ve realized. And if you are reading this mom I just wanted to tell you that I love you so much. Well I realized how much people mean to me like my family!

Gosh I miss you all so much! But don’t worry I’m making every moment count! I love you all and remember 10 more days! And momma please read our journals every day because I’ll be writing everyday and can you tell Alfred about it too! I love you all! *mwah*

Love always, Valerie

**********************************

EXPEDITION UPDATE:
The Drake Passage Thursday, Dec. 21

Posted at 8:59am EST
by Students on Ice Headquarters

A short, choppy satellite call confirmed that all are well on board - no sea sickness - and that the waters are relatively calm, winds moderate, and the barometer holding steady. Geoff is trying to send us some more photos and student journals this morning. The students didn't have much time to acomplish much journal writing last night!

For the unitiated, the Drake Passage is the famous body of water that stretches between the southern tip of South America (at Cape Horn) and the Antarctic Peninsula. It is usually about one and a half to two day sail depending on the weather. With the weather looking good for our team at the moment, we expect to sight land late tomorrow afternoon.


(The Polar Star bow - early morning)

Crossing the Drake fills many people with dread. You may sometimes hear it referred to as the ‘Drake Shake’ though most often, in our experience it should be named the ‘Drake Lake.’ With its 2001 re-fit, the Polar Star was equipped with a new state of the art stabilizing system, making it one of the most comfortable 'rides' in polar waters.

The students will have a busy day today. It is their first day at sea naturally and there will be a good deal excitement and buzzing around. They will spend much of it outside on the decks or on the Bridge, scanning the seas for whales, seabirds and that first, all important... iceberg! Seabirds – habitual ship followers – are everywhere. Our ornithologist Santiago Imberti will certainly located on a high wing deck with students, binoculars glued to his eye sockets observing the Wandering Albatross – one of the most impressive birds in the world. With a wing-span of nearly thirteen feet – tip to tip – it is the largest seabird in the world. They are natural hang-gliders once airborne and soar majestically on the wind, rarely flapping their wings. They will also see many of their smaller cousins the Black Brow Albatross.

When not on deck, students will be in the classroom learning about Antarctica from the shipboard education team. Santiago will kick-off the schedule with a lecture on Birds of the Southern Ocean. In the afternoon, Geologist and Geographer Eric Galbraith will do a talk on the Drake Passage and the Southern Ocean. There will also be workshops on 'chart reading' led by our Education Director Diz Glithero.

Stay tuned for more!