The Eagle has Landed!

Lat: 6259.28185270 S
Lon: 05833.81788642 W

Temperature: -7 degrees Celsius

We started out for a landing at the Argentinian base at Esperanza Bay (Hope
Bay), but alas there was no hope; the winds were gusting way too high at 45
knots. So we sailed off for a new destination, Brown Bluff, where we hoped
the conditions would be more favorable. We positioned our ship around noon
time (2 p.m. east coast time) and got the go ahead to make shore! We boarded
the Zodiacs, and on a windswept beach, with snow flying in all directions,
howling winds, and Gentoo Penguins to welcome our arrival, we landed
on the Continent of Antarctica!! As I stepped foot on the rocky shore,there
were Penguins, Seals, Auks everywhere, I realized that I now have stepped foot
on all 7 Continents of this incredible planet. At 44 years and roughly 2
months, I'm totally one lucky dude. We got on the beach with the winds
howling, hard to see in front of you with the blowing snow, and was able to
get behind a huge series of boulders not far from the water's edge to get my
bearings. It was Omaha Beach but in a very different way! Soaking it all
in, I made my way around Brown Bluff, an incredible amount of wildlife
around, terra firma beneath my feet, meanwhile soaking it all in before we
had to depart in an hour and a half. Back on board, it all started to sink
in for many of us; we had made it to the White Continent.

For me personally, it hasn't been about checking it off the list, another
place to say "Been there, done that". It's about continuing to live a fantasy
life, to be blessed and fortunate with good enough health to live my dreams,
to continually be reminded what a wondrous planet we life on, albeit animal,
human, vegetable or mineral. We have an immense capacity to love and be
loved, fighting injustice wherever it should rear its ugly head, and to give
the good fortunes to others that we take for granted at times; to help, love
and learn whether we're a human or an Adele Penguin. Life continues to amaze
me, after 44 years, and life has so much more to teach me that I love the
fact that I'll always be a student to my surroundings. You don't have to go
to Antarctica to have these thoughts, and I'm thankful that I feel I have
already learned some of this in my life. But the wonders of this planet, the
wonders of Antarctica and the South Atlantic, have continued to help
reinforce the values and love for this beautiful orb that I cherish so dear.


Today was for Mom. I miss you so much. More to share. Thanks for listening.