Carly's Ramblings Blog - Style

Day 2 - Adventures in Antarctica

Blog City: Day 3083

Prompt: "In every walk with nature, one receives far more he seeks." John Muir

Being surrounded by nature has a way of bringing me back to myself... to that calm part that connects with the world as a whole. You can't help but be grateful for that kind of connection. We are all part of nature and it is good to remember that, especially when the supposed civilized world tries to tell us differently.

Taking time to slow down and savour the world around you is exquisite. Watch a butterfly flit through the sun. Listen to the birdsong all around you. Watch the squirrels scamper and play among the branches. Feel the breath of a breeze rustle your hair and skim over your skin. Taste the sweet tartness of raspberries growing on wildly growing vines. Smell the freshness of the earth and the muskiness of decaying leaves. The forest is alive at every level from the microbiological all the way up. It is awe inspiring how much the world so fully lives... if you slow down and take it all in.

As I consider my virtual trip to Antarctica I see a very different view of nature, but although it is covered in deep snow and ice, nature is still very much an active thing. The whales, penguins and seals are huge things to marvel at as we make our way through our virtual encounters. The cold. The ringing silence... that is filled with all the Antarctic has to offer - nature is not silent... even if the snow muffles the sounds.

It is all so pristine here and the tour guides make sure we respect that... as we make sure to disinfect our boots before going between various penguin sites.

Blogging Circle of Friends: Day 3486

Travel Prompt: Antarctica is the site of some of the world’s most cutting-edge research. There are dozens of scientific research centers here, and one of the most interesting things to do in Antarctica is to take a tour of one of these fascinating facilities. The Vernadsky Research Base on Galindez Island opens its doors to visitors all while studying everything from meteorology, ecology, biology, glaciology, seismology and physics. It was at this research station that the hole in the ozone layer was first discovered.

Another cool and unexpected aspect of this research center is the Vernadsky Station Lounge, one of the southernmost bars in the world.

We did try the vodka, which had been distilled on site. It was pretty good. I decided to pay the $3 instead of handling over my bra - it wasn't very exciting - unlike a few others, that will remain nameless....
It was interesting to help examine green snow and check out the satellite studies of the visual evidence of climate change.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-bar-at-vernadsky-research-base-antarctic...

I also managed to buy a t-shirt and a magnet as a souvenir of what is considered the southernmost souvenir shop in the world. I got some postcards... some as keepsakes and some I mailed to family, friends and even one to myself so I could have a keepsake of it and the stamp.

Lyn's a Witchy Woman is still insisting we still sleeping in our sleeping bags and I am fine with that, as the views at night are amazing. There are no threats of being eaten - all the polar bears are at the north pole.

Vernadsky Station:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmFjTJJkiZM

Solo Trip to Antarctica:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDap9qxb96k