Journal

Luke:Over the last couple of days plans for going to Antarctica  have continuously changed. We've heard many mixed reports but yesterday we officailly found out that we will not be going to Antarctica. We are all of course disappointed. We have  put a lot of work into this project, the last couple of months have been leading up to this moment. And now that we aren't going its easy to feel like the trip was a failure.

But as we all said in the "What if" blog, this trip hasn't at all been a failure. We've had a awesome time in Chile and learned a lot! When Phillipe, my roommate, had to leave he wrote me a short letter. He said how he knew it was a bummer that we couldn't go but that there is a reason for it and some day we would return. This past week has been awesome and not being able to Antarctica will not take away from that.

Elías updates the team
Elías at one of the many meetings in which he updated us about the future of the expedition.

Anna: It has (not) come to pass. No Antarctica for us this time. Everyone here has been really kind, and INACH is organizing a trip to Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia for us. We're going to learn about the glaciers and more about the local culture. We will also be going to Santiago next week to present at the US Embassy and the American School as well as meeting up with our new friends who live there and going to a museum together. I'm disappointed that we are not going to Antarctica, but I'm excited to learn more about Patagonia and hopeful that we'll end up in Antarctica in the future. 

Claire: Word has probably been spreading that we will not be traveling to Antarctica - or at least, not this time. It is really disappointing, but we have been reminding each other that even without Antarctica, this trip has still been an amazing experience. I'm so glad I've had the chance to spend time with the chilean students (and practice my Spanish with them) and learn about the science they've done. It would have been incredible to do that in Antarctica; there's no denying that. However, there still aren't many people from Wisconsin who can say they've explored Patagonia. We're really fortunate to be able to learn about this area of Chile, and I'm enjoying it a lot. Another good thing about this trip is that it has left me wanting more; I am determined that I will make it to Antarctica some day.

Juan It was disappointing to hear the news from Elías that we would not go to Antarctica, but we are all very grateful for Elías leadership with this project. We know he strove as hard as he could, and then even more, towards a successful expedition. Reinier, also at Instituto Nacional Chileno (INACH), also helped a lot. In fact, everybody at INACH has been amazing at every moment. Form the way they prepared the trip to the help we received while explorers were sick, a big thank you to all INACH. We look forward to future collaborations, as we will try hard to make this dream come true.

Elías Berticevic
Our fearless leader, Elias Berticevic from Instituto Antarctico Chileno (INACH). Thank you very much for thei amazing opportunity and for all your hard work. Thank you INACH!

Comments

Fri, 02/21/2014 - 09:34

Guest

You each maintain an amazingly positive outlook, demonstrating maturity beyond your years! Well done! Eagerly awaiting more posts.

Fri, 02/21/2014 - 12:10

Guest

Hang in their guys it will be fine not to many people can say they almost went to antartica

Fri, 02/21/2014 - 15:51

Jillian Worssam

I am so impressed with each of you and your amazing attitude and spirit. You have started on a great adventure, one that is not over...who knows maybe this trip will be the catalyst in you choosing a career in polar science and being a future researcher to Antarctica. Your strength of character so impresses me! Thank you for sharing your feelings in such an adult manner. We are all there with you in feeling your sadness.

Fri, 02/21/2014 - 22:32

Carol Scott

I think not going is harder than going, turning around takes greater strength and character than pressing on...you all are awesome, and doing so well in learning to deal with whatever is tossed at you!

Sat, 02/22/2014 - 11:28

Guest

Sorry to hear you won't make it to the ice. I tell people travel is safe but not return and the only sure thing is you don't know what will happen. I think you have the right attitude---it is still an incredible experience, and you are learning a lot. Proud of what you are doing!

Sat, 02/22/2014 - 11:29

Guest

The auto-correct get me! Travel is safe but not routine! Return is certain!

Sat, 02/22/2014 - 13:30

Anna Caldwell-…

Even though we won't be going to Antarctica this time, we are very grateful for everyone's support and understanding. We still have a lot of the trip ahead of us–we are going to a cattle farm tomorrow and in the coming week we will visit a penguin colony and head to Santiago to visit the American School, the US Embassy, and our new Chilean friends. We are still planning on holding a public webinar on Tuesday, February 25th at 1:30PM EST, and we would appreciate if people would drop by to hear about what we've been up to. To register, here's the [url:](http://www.polartrec.com/polar-connect/register)

Sun, 02/23/2014 - 12:19

Guest

As people have noted in the previous comments, you are handling the disappointment with a maturity that was undoubtedly part of why you were selected for this expedition. As you have all said, the experience you have had is a valuable one, and we're proud to have you represent Monona Grove, as well as Wisconsin and the U.S. I plan to try to tune in to your webinar, and look forward to hearing your presentation when you return. Best wishes for more wonderful experiences over the next several days!