Journal

Welcome to the ‘Postcards from the Pole’ Challenge

... or as close to the South Pole as I will get anyway.

Have you ever heard the term – ‘We’re looking for a few good men’? Well I’m looking for more than that – I’m looking for men or women, boys or girls, students or athletes; whomever - to join the Postcard Challenge and receive a postcard sent from McMurdo Station, Antarctica.

Postcard from Antarctica
Receive a postcard like this from Antarctica.

It's simple!

All you need to do is:

  • Get a postcard
  • Decorate it
  • Put a stamp on it
  • Address the postcard
  • Get it to me by or before September 10, 2014.

I’ll send them back during my 2014 expedition to Antarctica.

Check out this video for details on how to participate in this challenge.

Help us reach our goal of sending 10,000 postcards!

Remember, you can register for this challenge and others at antarcticarevisited.com.

Comments

Thu, 08/28/2014 - 15:55

Rylie Duke-Whi…

Dear Team Member,
I know I am one of hundreds of people who write to you each day, but I am very interested in your work.
Anyway, I have a few questions.
How much did the heaviest seal you have ever tagged weigh? How much do pups weigh at birth? Do Weddel Seals inhabit North America? If not, are there any closely related mammals that live in North America?

Thank You,
Rylie D.

Sat, 10/11/2014 - 16:25

aidan

wear are u ms. alex from aidan

Tue, 11/25/2014 - 15:49

The Hepners

My 4&5 yr old children received our postcards today! Few things have evoked more excitement as they placed a pin on our world map on a pole! We talked about Wendell seals and the location of the base there in Antarctica! Thank you! If there was a place to attach a file, I'd send the photo of them eccstatically placing their pin and holding their postcards!

Wed, 11/26/2014 - 12:50

Alex Eilers

Thank you for your comments - It made my day!
While there's not a place to upload on the PolarTREC site, I would love to see the pictures. If you would, please e-mail me directly at alex.eilers@memphistn.gov.

Thanks again!

Ms. Alex

________________________________________

Mon, 10/13/2014 - 06:04

Alex Eilers

Hi Aidan!
Thank you for your question!

I grew up in central Illinois, Chillicothe to be exact. It's a small town about 20 min. north of Peoria, Illinois.

Today, I call Bartlett, TN home.

Thanks again for your question and keep them coming!

Ms. Alex

Wed, 09/03/2014 - 15:03

Alex Eilers

You ask some really great questions Rylie – Thank you!
The largest seal we weighed during the 2012 expedition was 485 kg. What’s that in pounds?

While the birth weight of Weddell seal pups can vary, many weigh around 50 pounds.

No, you won’t see any Weddell seals in North America but you may see Ringed seals, Harbor seals, and harp seals. Check out this website - http://www.wildlifenorthamerica.com/wildlife/Mammal/Seals.html

Thanks again for your questions.

Hope to hear from you again!

Ms. Alex

Fri, 09/05/2014 - 17:16

Aidan Dunagan

Hi Ms. Alex,You came to my school today. Thank you, I enjoyed your visit.
Please tell me how seals stay underwater so long.

Thank you Ms Alex,

Aidan Dunagan
2nd grade
Ms Wade's class

Tue, 09/09/2014 - 15:52

aidan dunagan

hi Mrs Alex from Aidan Dunagan mrs wade's 2nd gade

Wed, 09/10/2014 - 10:12

Alex Eilers

HI Aidan!
Thanks so much for following along on my journey and for sending me this comment.

If you have any questions along the way I'm happy to answer!

Ms. Alex

Wed, 09/10/2014 - 15:53

Aidan Dunagan

How do seals stay underwater so long from Aidan

Wed, 09/24/2014 - 15:41

Riley Goodman

Hi! I'm so excited that you're bringing our flag (from Richland Elementary in Memphis) to Antarctica. How much longer until you leave? Can you bring me back some water from Antarctica? See you in November!

Thu, 09/25/2014 - 05:45

Alex Eilers

Hello!
Yes, I am very excited too! Be sure to watch for your flag in one of my journals!

I do not yet have my flight dates/times but I will likely leave at the beginning of November.

As for the water... I will be able to take pictures but unfortunately won't be able to bring back the water.

Thanks!

Ms. Alex