Preparing for departure...

I am blown away by the passion of the people on this expedition…and we haven’t even set foot on the boat. There are about 50 people from all over the world here – Vietnam, India, Australia, New Zealand, Serbia, Turkey, Germany, Netherlands, Finland, United Arab Emirates, Canada, US, UK, Columbia, China, and more - all about to embark on an experience that will change their lives. It’s really amazing to observe their excitement, as I remember the same eager anticipation that I had the night before departing for Antarctica the first time.

Just as with my first expedition, my future shipmates each have amazing stories about what led them to this place at the bottom of the world, and goals that they want to achieve while here. We will be learning about climate change and energy from an expert from Shell, and about the Antarctic Treaty from one of the foremost experts from the British Antarctic Survey, and about the concept of carbon offsets from an advisor from Native Energy. My job on the ship is to help define the ultimate mission for the team’s post-expedition work and to launch the Alumni Program that will give the team the tools to stay connected and inspired. I introduced the program earlier tonight and already have been approached by enthusiastic team members who already have plans for actions when they return home.

We had a fantastic hike up the Martial Glacier today. It was quite a different hike than last year because of the snow, and it was certainly better coming down…we practically floated down the glacier on all the fresh powder! I’m about to have a big traditional Argentinean dinner a good night’s sleep…’cause I’m leaving for Antarctica tomorrow!

Photo taken by Tony Piedade on the way up Martial Glacier early this morning.

Looking down on Ushuaia...