Antarctic Circle Diploma
Pablo Morales
Congratulations
>>> Chris Weddle <wedd...@NBP.POLAR.ORG> 07/02 11:18 pm >>>
The text is not readable as the image must be shrunk down too small to fit
through our email system. But it gives an idea or two. C.W.
Chris Weddle
>Welcome to the Scientist愀 Club....
>Congratulations
Hullo.
Thank you for your kind remark.
Actually, I do not have one of those certificates. The one I sent was
without names, a blank one. And fairly, I'm a Technician. I fix stuff.
Getting one of those certificates is very much an expression of culture and
personality. Were simply crossing the line the measure of it, more folks
would have them and few would refuse. But the rude aspects surrounding the
"ceremony" make collecting these things an unpleasant task for such as
myself. Having accomplished sufficient unpleasant tasks over the years, I
see no need to adopt more. Among other reasons.
This is my second period of time spent below the Antarctic Circle. The
first time was in Summer when the night was a dimming, never a dark. This
time is just the opposite, the day is merely a lightening, never a bright.
We are moving ever more north though, and the sun has been spotted briefly
already. It lays low upon the horizon, protected by sturdy walls of clouds
and mists. Once we saw the orb itself with little cloud in the way. Yellow
and orange with the gentlest of roll reflecting color off millions of sea
ice pancakes. Were it not for this event, we've been beyond the realm of
the day for several weeks now. A self contained world upon a vast and
inhospitable desert.
Sometimes it's impossible to work here. Nothing matters. Not the weather,
be it good or blow'n. Nor the schedule nor any sort of demand made by plan
and need. Sometimes you just gotta' stop and look, listen. Eyes wide. Into
the wind as long as you can take it. From the corner of a tightly drawn
hood if need be. At a wide open emptiness or a vast confusion or the
tiniest surprise, one never knows before hand.
From time to time and so unpredictably something will grab you and all mood
and vision must be centered there. For a moment or hours, a fleeting
attraction of a place not spoiled. A place unique in its majesty and
peacefulness.
If you've ever stood upon a mountain with no sign of city or town around
you, you have some idea of this place.
Good Day,
Chris Weddle
Research Vessel Ice Breaker Nathaniel B. Palmer