Scribble Picnic ~ EXPLORATION

Our creative host Michael has resurrected SCRIBBLE PICNIC following a busy

 summer when we took a break. I've missed you all and hope you are ready to
share your fantastic art again.

Here's my story and art piece for this week's theme - EXPLORATION.

In January 2013 I took a trip to explore the bottom of the world. 

My first thoughts were probably the same as what most people think. 

Why on earth would you want to go there?

Because my best friend Paula invited me to celebrate 

our 50 years of friendship on an Antarctic expedition. 
We followed British polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton's
 amazing January 1915 journey.

Isn't it all just white ice and snow?  

No, definitely not - think every shade of blue, green, and turquoise.

Isn't it freezing cold? 

In January it was summertime - temperatures were comfortable

 around 40F with light snow now and then.

Remember, no bad weather, just the wrong clothes. 

Travel always requires that you be prepared.

What is there to see? 

Icebergs, some over 2 miles long. Cobalt blue ice.

Hundreds of thousands of adorable penguins, stately black and
 white adults, and fluffy brown juveniles who will waddle up to you
 and peck your rubber boots.

Seals so fat and huge they make one actually feel petite.
Giant birds such as petrels and albatross flying overhead.

Barnacle covered whales spyhopping next to your Zodiac boat, 
 making eye contact - such a thrilling moment.

 It's too far away! 

Maybe not an afternoon sail, but two plus weeks on a fabulous 

expedition ship being waited on, fed well, talking to interesting people from 
around the world, and seeing incredible wildlife is fabulous, even in heavy swells.
OK, I admit crossing the infamous Drake Passage was more than swells!

Surely it's awfully dangerous!

Much in life is dangerous - driving in traffic, crossing the street,

eating contaminated lettuce, being robbed or worse in your own

comfy neighborhood. . . . . . and much more! 
Why pass up the chance of a life-changing, awesome adventure, breathing
 the cleanest air on the planet and sailing through the purest water, all because
 it's a little dangerous!

If interested in seeing more of my exploration of the Southern Ocean, 
Falkland Islands, South Georgia Island and the Antarctica Peninsula, go HERE.

Meanwhile, consider joining us here at Scribble Picnic where you don't have to 
be 'an artist' (I'm not), but you can create something special to share with a lovely
 group of people from around the world.
Go HERE to read the FAQ's for the art co-op, then sign up and
join in. Hope to see you at the 'picnic' soon.

P.S.  For those of you who don't already know, I met up with Michael in

 Fort Collins, Colorado a few weeks back. Despite having followed each

 other's blogs for many, many years, we'd never met in person. 

Although too brief, it was an awesome time, and you can read my
 post on our time together HERE.


I am on my way to Canada - so am a bit late at the picnic!
Also, this hotel room is not the best place for WIFI so may have to 
leave my comments later, sorry!