| Craig Altemose '05
The Last Excursion
January 16, 2005 | 17:30
Useful Island
I have discovered the joy and the beauty of Antarctica on our last excursion to shore. Our group landed on Useful Island, so named for its usefulness as a naval positioning marker. For the first time, I broke off from the group, and sat and experienced Antarctica. I watched a group of penguins, focusing on a small family. The parents took turns watching the young, feeding them from mouth to mouth. I was present for the changing of the guard, as the one parent came and replaced the other. I was only a few feet from the penguins, but my presence did not bother them. We were cognizant of each other, yet respectful. We did not interact, we simply were.
On a walk around the summit of the hill that we had climbed, Tom and I dodged the attack of swooping birds, apparently defending a nearby nest. The walk down with a guide resulted in the discovery of various Antarctic wildlife that was for now unforeseen, including plant life that lived inside of rocks, and tiny insects living under moss. It has been a wonderful trip, filled with countless discoveries and amazing vistas. Our last excursion did not disappoint.
See the penguin family
P.S. Happy Birthday to Patty Schwing’s Mom!!!
Craig Altemose '05
Landfall!
January 12, 2005 | 19:30
Anchored at Half Moon Island
Dear Journal,
Landfall! We awoke to an announcement; the first iceberg had been spotted. Later during a lecture for proper procedure during landfall we saw our first landmass, the first South Shetland Island. At 14:30, we arrived by Zodiac at Half Moon Island. Penguins were everywhere, although we respectfully kept our distance. Seals were also sighted: larger than their avian peers, but just as photogenic. A trek around the island with four friends resulted in spectacular vistas, several humpback whale sightings, and great photo opportunities, culminating in Andy’s attempted clearing of a cold, Antarctic stream ending in a splash after we had all rolled down a snowy bank. We had arrived in terra firma and it was spectacular.
Leadership Lesson: Think before you leap!
Craig Altemose '05
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