Crestwood Explores the World
  • Schoolyard Science
  • Ranger Ro's Blog
    • Cuyahoga Valley National Park
  • Miss Harr's Antarctic Blog!
  • The Crestwood-Antarctica Connection
    • Penguin Month!
    • Nature Detective Photo Challenge >
      • Description
      • Contest Guidelines
      • Borrow a Camera
      • Photo Tips
      • Meet the Fall Winners!
      • Winter Winners
    • Read and Walk to Antarctica
    • Polar Postcard Challenge
    • Student Work >
      • Penguin Fact Video
    • Skype with Miss Harr
    • Happy Birthday, Miss Harr!
    • Upcoming Events
    • Teacher Resources
    • Thank You
  • Antarctica Facts
    • The End of the Earth
    • Where is Antarctica?
    • Wildlife >
      • Virtual Wildlife Tour
    • History of Antarctica
    • More Resources
  • Antarctic Research Expedition
    • 2012 Antarctic Research Team >
      • Dr. Richard Lee
      • Dr. Dave Denlinger
      • Natalie Harr
      • Dr. Shin Goto
      • Yuta Kawarasaki
    • Palmer Station, Antarctica
    • Our Study Sites
    • Previous Research Teams
    • Research Findings
    • Publications >
      • Science Education
      • Insect Cryobiology
      • Vertebrate Cryobiology
      • Microbial Cryobiology
  • Gigapan Technology
    • Wall of Fame
  • Get Connected to Antarctica!
  • Teacher Websites
    • Miss Harr's First Grade >
      • Photo Gallery and Blog
      • Schoolyard Science Blog

Was It All a Dream?

2/14/2012

6 Comments

 
Was It all an Antarctic Dream?
We departed Palmer Station in early February on the Laurence M. Gould (LMG) icebreaker ship.  As we were leaving, Palmer scientists and staff took the "polar plunge" into the frigid waters to wish us a safe crossing through the Drake Passage.  

Above is a movie created last November at Palmer Station depicting the ritualistic "Polar Plunge" for the LMG homebound passengers.


The Dread of the Drake

With an unforgiving storm on its way, the LMG immediately left the protective peninsular waters and entered the open sea.  This meant that we had little time to get our sea legs before entering the infamous Drake Passage.   Though ahead of the storm, we still encountered choppy 20 foot waves clearing the Southern Ocean and then three steady days of 60 knot winds.  Needless to say, it wasn't a smooth ride and seasickness was almost inevitable. 

After four days at sea, the winds finally diminished and we were able to safely move about the bow and deck outside.  Nature's wrath had transformed into calmness and beauty as we approached the tip of South America.  


A Bugger Reunion

Picture

We were able to meet up with our fifth member of the Buggers research team, Yuta Kawarasaki in Punta Arenas, Chile.  He will be heading to Palmer Station, Antarctica on the next LMG cruise.  


The End of the Road

Picture

Here is my favorite Antarctic landscape photo.  I took it from Old Palmer Island near Palmer Station.


Eight days and 8,000 miles later, Dr. Lee, Dr. Denlinger, Dr. Goto and I safely made it back to Ohio.  I was warmly greeted by my close family and friends with a surprise welcome home party in my hometown.   It was wonderful mom:)

As I talked about my adventures, I quickly realized how my journey seemed dreamlike and nostalgic.  Antarctica's unparalleled beauty, wildlife, and environment just tugs at your heart.  One must experience it to know its profound effects on your mind and soul.   If heaven on earth existed, it would be here.  
6 Comments

Saying Goodbye to Antarctica

2/2/2012

10 Comments

 
Until We Meet Again, Antarctica!
Picture
My final hike up the backyard glacier
I've reached the hardest part of my journey...saying goodbye to Antarctica.  This has truly been a trip of a lifetime.   My experiences here  have helped me to grow personally, professionally, and spiritually.  Antarctica is considered the last frontier, and I feel truly humbled that I have been one of its explorers.   

My Final Hike in the Backyard

A Goodbye Waltz

Since I love to dance, I thought a goodbye waltz on the pier was fitting for the moment.  Being at the underbelly of the world, I guess we are technically dancing upside down!  We danced to the sounds of Antarctica...

Stay Tuned...

We will return the same way we came on the Lawrence M. Gould icebreaker ship (LMG).  We are moved onto the ship, and we will leave when the weather conditions are good.  Though I am leaving Antarctica, there will be plenty more posts added to the blog when I return home.  Bon Voyage!  

10 Comments

Other Palmer Station Scientists

2/2/2012

1 Comment

 

Meet Palmer Station Scientists

Since the station opened its doors in 1970, peninsula research has included a variety of disciplines, though the biological sciences are the most active.  Of particular interest have been the marine ecosystem, and every level of animal life, from microbes to seals.

Exploring the Ocean with Gliders

Marine Microbiology

Ecology of the Keystone Species: Krill

Microbial Oceanography

Ecology of Sea Birds

1 Comment

    Author

    Miss Natalie Harr is a first grade teacher at Crestwood Primary School in northeastern Ohio.

    Archives

    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011

    Categories

    All
    Thank You For Taking The Survey!

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.