Antarctica is an incredible land. Like up here, perhaps even more so, there is a rare quality to the light. The world seems to glow, to be lit from within. I still remember waking early that first morning and walking out on the deck into this incredible, still, magical place. I was still swaying from crossing the infamous Drake Passage, but now the waters were still, icebergs were everywhere, Pintados (Cape Petrels) and Snow Petrels swooped and dipped amongst them. I was the only passenger out there, and I stood mesmerized as the ship slowly made its way along. Gradually others came on deck, and small conversations sprang up. The world was no longer exclusively mine, but I'll never forget that scene.
I had traveled to Antarctica some twelve years ago. Antarctica was to be the next trip that Janice and I took, and after her death I determined to make the trip. It was a long journey, as I had traveled first to Hawaii to scatter her ashes. The return trip home, and then down to Ushuaia at the tip of South America saw me spend some 28 hours flying over the course of three days. The crossing of Drake took another two days, through a Force 9 or 10 gale, and 8 metre seas. But it was more than worth it, and the only thing that took away from it, was that Janice wasn't standing beside me.
So here's the thing. I'm trying to go back and I need your help. Quark Expeditions is holding a contest, Blog Your Way To Antarctica, and I've thrown my hat into the ring. I think I'd be an ideal person to travel there for them and blog about it, I've even been on the ship before, leading a tour in Groenland and the Canadian Arctic. But, and it is and awfully big but, the contest is based strictly on the votes each candidate receives. I'm late to this game and the contest is only open until September 30th. I've got a lot of catching up to do. So if you can, head over to my entry for the contest, register and vote. Beyond that, I'd appreciate it if you'd spread the word, if you pass the link along to your friends, post it on your blog, share it on Facebook or tweet it on Twitter (why does that seem so foolish to type).
One other thing, the prize is for two people to travel on the trip. Strangely, after seeing my pictures of the waves breaking over the boat during the Drake Crossing, Leah has no desire to go. I am taking lobbying for someone to accompany me should I win.
Comments
10 responses
Just voted for you, Clare. Best of luck.
Michael from Michael’s Meanderings compelled me to vote for you, so I did. Good luck!
Thanks Pete.
Why thank you Scientific Chick. I did a double take when I saw your handle. The woman currently in third place is a relatively famous nature/science blogger that sometimes goes by Science Grrl. For a second there I thought it was her that Michael forced, er, compelled to vote for me.
I know about Science Grrl (though I only found out about her after registering my blog as Scientific Chick). But you got it right, different person. 🙂
I just voted!! I hope you get to go back!! It’s a dream of mine to someday go and the other side of the world!!!
I’ve followed Science Grrl off and on, through the Nature blogging community. Now I have another science blog to follow.
Thanks Sarah. It is going to be a long climb, but we’ll try.
Voted for you & shared the link to do so on Facebook, Clare – I rarely comment, but am a long time fan of your photos & would love to see what you cooked up in Antarctica!
Why thank you Jessamyn. Nice to see you reveal yourself. I’m hoping to get some slides scanned of Antarctica eventually.
I voted…good luck but registering for the site was slow.
Thanks Bonnie, I appreciate it.