Tag Archives: Antarctic

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Antarctic Outrage; Antarctic Lesson

I will never forget my first visit to Petermann Island in Antarctica. The sky was overcast. The Antarctic summer was winding down. The snow bloomed red and the Adelie Penguins were moulting. I did not see the travel-brochure Antarctica that day. I saw Eden.

Feeling puny in the grand scheme, I pondered my relationship with the natural world. I reflected on the Bible’s call to stewardship.

Genesis 1:26. Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”

Blasphemy it may be, but that verse set us on the wrong path. Because humankind interpreted it to mean we were superior and had the right to interfere with the natural order. We forgot that humility is essential when given the responsibility to care for anything.

So when I read an article this morning about tourists in Antarctica attempting to sow seeds, inspired by a Bible verse, I was outraged. Outraged at the Tour Operator who failed to educate its travelers before they landed ashore. Outraged at the so-called Christians who failed to recognize Eden. Ignorance boards every tourist vessel, and the consequences of ignorance put Antarctica at risk.

Ezekiel 34:17-18. As for you, my flock… Is it not enough for you to feed on good pasture? Must you also trample the rest of your pasture with your feet? Is it not enough for you to drink clear water? Must you also muddy the rest with your feet?

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The Antarctic Book of Cooking and Cleaning

An experienced polar leader told me that food can make or break an expedition. I can attest to that fact. My polar memories are larded with food experiences like a cup of mulled wine on the bow of a vessel in the Gerlache Strait, or a barbecue on the ice at the North Pole.

So I should not have been surprised to find mulled wine and bison and Saskatoon berry pemmican being served at the public launch of The Antarctic Book of Cooking and Cleaning. The cookbook won’t be in print until late 2012. You can preorder a copy online at the official website.

The Antarctic Book of Cooking and Cleaning is a food and cultural history book that weaves journal excerpts, recipes and images from a modern day environmental expedition with those of early explorers to the bottom of the world.

Cooking in the title refers to the recipes you’ll find in the book. Cleaning refers to the purpose of the 1995-1996 Antarctic expedition in which the authors, foodie Wendy Trusler and environmental activist Carol Devine, took part.

The Russian-Canadian clean-up project on King George Island off the Antarctic Peninsula was manned by volunteers. According to Devine, they “picked up hundreds of old nails by hand,” as well as collected garbage and moved fuel pipes.

Trusler’s job was to cook for the Americans, Canadians and South Africans who came for short stays and long days of hard work at Bellingshausen Station. The Russian Antarctic Expedition was the first to accept Devine’s offer of assistance.

To write the cookbook, the authors relived their adventure through the documents they had saved – letters, journals and provision lists. Food is the theme that ties their very personal experience to the history of the southern continent’s exploration and discovery.

Still in production, the full-colour book will be 144 pages in length, with photography by Sandy Nicholson, and archival black and white photographs from the historic age of Antarctic exploration.

The sampling menu served at tonight’s event, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of Roald Amundsen’s triumphant arrival at the South Pole, included Rosemary Maple Borscht served with Honey Oatmeal Braids and Cook’s Bread. Delicious!

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2 days to the 100th Anniversary of Humankind’s arrival at 90S

Amundsen's Route to the South Pole

Amundsen's Route to the South Pole

Take a close look at the map. Note the gain in elevation. Amundsen and his party had to climb from sea level to 10,500′+ to reach the South Pole. That redefines the term “‘taking things to new heights.”

One hundred years ago neoprene didn’t exist: High tech clothing was reindeer hide slathered with penguin blubber. No oxygen tanks to fight the altitude dizziness. No GPS. No satellite or radar. Just blood, guts and driving ambition.

Many of the heroes of the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration were deeply flawed human beings. Amundsen was no exception. Reports I have read describe him as unlikeable – Simon Cowell unlikeable.

His drive to break polar records began in childhood. He dreamed big, making big things happen, with a very low body count. An unlikeable man who spent a lifetime learning how to mitigate risks in what may have been the riskiest business on Earth at the time – polar exploration.

I can’t help but like the guy.

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Antarctic Book of Cooking and Cleaning

Yes, there will be a book published titled “Antarctic Book of Cooking and Cleaning.” According to an information sheet I read, it will be released in 2012.

This is a public service announcement from @polarprisca because there has been an inordinate number of searches for the title that have led visitors to this blog.

…weaves the stories of a Canadian environmental project in a Russian Antarctic Research Station with recipes, photos and snippets of history…

My next update on the book will be December 15, 2011. That is 1 day after the 100th anniversary of Roald Amundsen’s arrival at the South Pole.

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#Topstories

Polar bears on the sea ice of the Arctic Ocean...

Image via Wikipedia

#JackieRichardson was the number one keyword search that brought new readers to this blog. The irreplaceable Ms. Jackie has lost the top spot to two searches that indicate trending issues.

People Seeking Information about Tumblr

I’m not the only one who had problems with tumblr’s email confirmation. Based on the number of people who drop by my site to read that post, the problem is ongoing. Note to tumblr’s boffins – your to-do list is missing an item.

Prince Harry in Antarctica

People, you must trust polarprisca on this…HRH was not in Antarctica this year. He was in the Arctic. Harry didn’t tell his grandmother he was going to walk part way to the North Pole, because he didn’t want to worry her. Thoughtful lad.

I met an octogenarian when I sailed to the North Pole who hadn’t told the management of his senior’s home where he was going, for exactly the same reason. True story.

An extra hit of adrenalin

Some people ride roller-coasters, jump out of airplanes, or travel to war zones for an extra hit of adrenaline. My personal choice are the polar regions – the Arctic and Antarctica. Because the danger is basic – humankind against the elements.