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Day 12 - Cape of Horn and Beagle Channel

12/19/2014

4 Comments

 
First, I need to say hello to my Lovebugs.  I miss all 33 of you very much!  I am so happy that you have continued to follow me during this time.  I think of you every minute and know that this is your last day of school!  I am very excited for you.  Truly, I wish I was there to give each one of you a hug and a special wish for a safe, warm holiday season with your families.

The journey on the waters have been much kinder to us this go around.  We are all pretty thankful on the boat for the ease of crossing and the approach of the South American Continent.  The sea birds soaring around or vessel have changed in size and variety.  This more temperate climate obviously brings different kinds of life for us to experience.  Waking in these waters sounds an almost startling boom every so often as the waves crash against the sides of the ship.  When waking from a deep slumber, it almost sounds like bombs exploding – some close against the side of the ship and far off in the distance as if they are miles way.  

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This morning, we approached the southern tip of South America.  As we approached the Cape of Horn, we were reminded that we were not going to Chile as their coastal authorities contacted the ship and asked us not to come closer to their borders.  Still, the captain was able to bring us closer and closer to get photos documenting our journey to this noteworthy point on the globe.  The landscape had steep, jagged cliffs rising out of the seawater with deep burn sienna rock formations and green foliage; surely, we were no longer on the white continent!  Dr. Johansen kindly let me have another photo opportunity as we came upon the Cape.

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After lunch, Mr. Sanders and I tied up some of our obligations on board with the videographer.  A montage of interviews, video clips and images will be woven together to provide interested parties our reflection of such an awesome experience.  I deeply am grateful for such an opportunity from National Geographic and Lindblad expeditions.  This has pushed me professionally and personally in so many ways.  I never could have dreamed about the things I have been able to do.  I have climbed up cavernous snow banks, sunk to my thighs in soft, yet heavily packed snow, jumped into water that was below the freezing point and bore witness to the remarkable behaviors of a bounty of animal life in a world where we often think that life barely exists.  It exists and is thriving!  

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Tonight, we made our way back to Argentina through the Beagle Channel.  In 1839, Captain Robert FitzRoy published his voyage of H.M.S. Adventure and Beagle between the years 1826-1836.  For the first time, the world learned about the discovery of the Beagle Channel.  The narrative described South America and the Beagle’s circumnavigation of the globe.  On board was a young Charles Darwin, who went on to develop the theory of evolution based partially on observations he made in South America.  These protected waterways of the southern tip of South America were stark contrast to the black and white landscapes of Antarctica, with the first trees seen since we left.  When we looked every so closely, we could see Condors soaring against this impressive backdrop.  

4 Comments
Gregory
12/19/2014 07:32:33 am

Hi,Mr.Szymanski! That is far distance! I can see the mountains a LITTLE bit. I miss you too Mr.Szymanski! I am excited for WINTER BREAK! I hope you are too. Wow!,I think that is 1,000 feet from the ship to the DEEP down water! Happy Winter Break!

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Mr. S.
12/19/2014 10:44:18 am

Gregory, I wish you the BEST of holidays! We weren't going down 1000 feet but UP 1000 feet. Think of CLIMBING! Happy Winter Break! I hope you got your present! OXOX Mr. S.

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Julie Allen
12/19/2014 02:08:02 pm

Hi Mr. Syzmanski,
I'm just now getting the chance to catch up on your blog posts and look through all of your terrific photographs. Thank you for sharing this amazing adventure! We posted a link to your blog on the Disney PTA site so other parents and teachers can read it as well. I really enjoy your writing and hearing about the interesting places you're visiting. Safe travels, Julie Allen

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Mr. S.
12/19/2014 03:51:24 pm

Greetings from Tierra del Fuego! Thank you so much for sharing! Feel free to share! I appreciate it. Mr. Sanders and I are off to Rio in a day and then Iguazu Falls and also Buenos Aires! My kids have been following me the whole trip so far. More to come! :) Wishing you a warm and family-filled break! Mr. S.




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    Mr. Szymanski is a 7th Grade Math, Reading and Writing Teacher at Gary Elementary school in Chicago, IL He is bringing the world to his classroom with the help of National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions. Here, he chronicles his adventures to Antarctica and South America in December 2014. 

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  • Home
  • 7th Grade Reading
  • 7TH GRADE GO MATH
  • Parents
  • Online Resources
  • Antarctica Travel Blog
  • Iceland Blog - In search of trolls, fairies and geysers!
  • Antarctica - National Geographic
  • Blood on the River
  • Chapter 1 The Number System
  • 8th Chapter 1: The Number System
  • Antarctica Travel Blog