Journal Entry

Live Event

Don't forget to sign up for my live PolarConnect event coming up this Wednesday at 9:15 A.M.Pacific Time!! Register here: https://www.polartrec.com/polar-connect/register

Anyone can register and join live. Dr. Todgham and I will be talking about Antarctica, life at McMurdo Station and the science we are doing down here. Then we will take questions. Hope you can join us!

Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration

Today, I vered off the science path and strayed into history for a while. Not far from McMurdo Station sit three "huts" left as remnants of harsher times. With little decay and some timely restoration, these huts look just as they did more than a hundred years ago- crates stacked just so, long underwear drying on the line, reindeer sleeping bags in the cots, and dry goods to get through a season. You can smell the must in the clothes, and it's not hard to imagine Shackleton or Scott kicked back in a chair planning out their route to the South Pole. The enormity of their accomplishments, their grit, and their sacrifice are palpable. Step back in time with me for a minute to discover four expeditions, three huts, two men, and one goal.

As I sit today in the nice warm library, sipping coffee and answering e-mails, it's hard to imagine what these men endured to reach their goal. Today we battle the unforgiving environment with parkas, satellite phones, and handwarmers, and yet, it still sometimes wins. This may be a lesson in history, but these were men of science. McMurdo Station is built on the knowledge that they uncovered over a hundred years ago. It makes you think. What will be accomplished with the discoveries of our modern day heroes? Hats off to the scientists and the men and women of the station that make the science possible.

Stay Cool,

Comments

Sun, 11/17/2019 - 21:27

Pam Hernandez

Your experience and your writing bring to life the science and adventure of those before you and those with whom you are spending time right now. The 6th grade ELA short story of Shackleton’s journey and what they endured comes with a whole new understanding and appreciation as I read about your experiences.

Mon, 11/18/2019 - 10:59

Denise Hardoy

Thank you so much. I want to read it again when I get back...with a whole new perspective. I've heard enough stories now to fill in the gaps and see the men behind the names. It really changes how you see history.

Mon, 11/18/2019 - 10:59

Denise Hardoy

Thank you so much. I want to read it again when I get back...with a whole new perspective. I've heard enough stories now to fill in the gaps and see the men behind the names. It really changes how you see history.

Mon, 11/18/2019 - 07:24

Grace Borzini

Denise thank you for sharing your trip and bringing it so alive for us sitting at home. What an amazing journey you are having. Can't wait to hear more when you arrive home!

Mon, 11/18/2019 - 11:03

Denise Hardoy

It has truly been an honor to be here. Let anyone and everyone know that I would be very excited to come speak to any groups. I'm scheduled for Rotary, but nothing else at the moment. I will come talk to classes, or civic groups. Now it's my job to spread the word about the science happening in Antarctica.

Thu, 11/21/2019 - 07:18

Sarah S.

I've been thinking about the exact same topic, as I read the book "The Last Place on Earth" by Roland Huntford- have you seen it? The things that Scott and Amundsen accomplished with the technology and gear they had available at the time are just astounding. I love reading about your adventures and I'm really regretting that I won't get to be out on the ice they way that you have.
-sarah

Fri, 11/22/2019 - 09:30

Denise Hardoy

Ahh....no regrets! Different is just different...not better or worse. You are going to see some amazing sights. You are doing Thwaits, right? Couldn't be any more important work going on.
That being said, I have truly enjoyed every minute of this experience. It has been amazing. The huts were unexpected. I really was not into the history of Antarctic exploration...until I got here. Actually seeing their gear, smelling their musty food and kind of disgusting seal carcasses really brings it all to life. Shackleton is my hero though- he suffered tremendously but came back to save his men. Now I have a lot of reading to catch up on!
Safe travels!

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