Journal Entries

2005-06

 

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Click here to access journal entries by Giancarlo Lopez-Martinez or Luke Sandro.

 

February 6, 7, and 8, 2006...I think — Drake Passage (Definitely not the "Drake Lake"!)

This crossing of the Drake really made me appreciate the benefits of dry land. I had to write this entry on February 9 from memory...a very vivid memory.

The day began like most others: breakfast and time up on the bridge talking with the other passengers and the captain. The waves began to pick up — how exciting!

The spray from the waves crashed over the bow onto the deck, sending passengers running for cover. Then the waves picked up even more. The spray reached the windows of the bridge three stories up!

This is the adventure I asked for! Oh baby, I was going to experience the time of my life riding and conquering the infamous dreaded Drake Passage — known for being the roughest waters in the world! I was ready!! Bring it on!!!

In hindsight, I should have specifically asked for a pleasant journey. But NO — I asked for a memorable journey and I got just what I asked for, thank you very much.

I experienced the Drake from my bed, then the bathroom, then bed, bathroom...you get the idea. I remember wishing that the war in my stomach would be over...the feeling of the waves...not gentle at all anymore but lifting my body from the bed and abruptly pushing me back down. Up and down. Not pleasant at all. Up and down. Somebody please make it stop!

*Note to self — be careful what you ask for, because you just might get it.

Problem #1: The kitchen is on the floor just below me. Convenient? Not when you feel how I felt. However, I knew I had to get there to get something to drink. The stairway is long and narrow. Thank goodness there are railings on both sides to help avoid a tumble down this metal stairway under normal conditions. I was not in normal condition. Who made it metal, and why didn't they consider how I was feeling at that moment? I could just imagine the sound of my shins and vertebrae banging against the edges of each step. Rubber, plastic, even foam would be more appropriate if I had tumbled down the steps...

I managed to make it down, but now for Problem #2: the smell. In better times, in ANY other time, I would have relished the familiar smell of chicken being fried (just like Mom used to make). But not now. Not only was it chicken, but haddock, or some other kind of fish being fried. And French fries. Nothing can enhance the sick feeling I had more than just those smells. Argh!

Enough of my problems — I am now much better thanks to a motion sickness drug.

 

- Marianne Kaput

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February 10, 2006 — Punta Arenas, Chile

Now that I’m almost home, it is an appropriate time to reflect upon the lessons and self-discoveries of this journey and share them with you.

Lesson #1
Always stretch yourself. Work beyond what you consider ordinary, for there is no sense of accomplishment in the ordinary. Long days, late hours, and hard work with good support allow for unusual accomplishments.

Lesson #2
Surround yourself with people whose goals are similar to yours. Being around positive people creates a positive atmosphere in which to thrive. Palmer was filled with positive people who have spent their lives supporting science.

Lesson #3
Take time each day to appreciate the beautiful gifts nature has given us. I find the more I learn, the more I am able to fully appreciate the intricacies of our world. Sometimes the sheer beauty of a sunset goes unnoticed in our busy world. It is important to take time to observe, contemplate, process, and appreciate each day.

Lesson #4
Observe, observe, observe. Then question and observe again. Look closely at something and think about what you see. How did it come to be as it is? How long has it been there? Are others like it the same? What part does this play in the big picture? What is its purpose? That's what the scientists of Palmer Station did. They took long hard looks at “ordinary” things and examined them closely, looking for answers, patterns, and trends.

Lesson #5
Just jump right in. Sometimes, when life presents a situation in which you are unsure of the outcome, you need to just dive right in and see what happens. It is through taking chances that you open yourself to possibilities and opportunities you never thought possible. Nothing dangerous, of course...

Lesson #6
Make new friends wherever you go, and maintain these relationships even if they are long distance. With e-mail, communicating is easier than ever. I met some very good people and developed a few relationships that made a deep impression on my life. They changed me in ways yet to be discovered, but for which I am very grateful.

Final Lesson
Feel passion. Look around you and find something and someone who touches you in a way that no other can. Science has touched me in a way that stirred my passion to pursue further study. It is through such passion that greater understanding is achieved. Appreciate what those around you offer and how you can touch each other’s lives in positive and meaningful ways. Feel deeply. I treasure the many memorable events that I experienced and the personal relationships that developed in the course of this journey. They have stirred my emotions and serve as a powerful and motivating force.

But now it's time to look forward to the next adventure...

...the continuation of exploration...

...the next step in life's journey...

...never stop exploring...

I certainly won't.

Until the next adventure,

 

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You have reached the end of Marianne Kaput's journal entries. Please click here to access journal entries by Giancarlo Lopez-Martinez (2005-06 Research Team) or Luke Sandro (2004-05 Research Team). You can read journal entries by Glen Schulte (2006-07 Research Team) on the Ed on Ice website.