Day 1: Miami, FL! (12/14)

I woke up this morning at 8am in my bed in Scappoose to my mom yelling at me to get up. Shortly thereafter, I got in the Tahoe with my dad and we began to drive to the airport. The temperature outside dropped to 16 degrees Fahrenheit and it started snowing! Needless to say we were a little worried about the weather. I got to the airport ok thanks to my dad and boarded my plane. Went to Seattle, and had to run to catch my connecting flight to Miami. I am currently in Miami at my Boyfriend's Girlfriend's house. Let me explain: One of my best friends from camp Lindenmere is named Craig Lebovic. his girlfriend lives in Miami and said I could stay with her. Craig was jealous of Erica because she was hanging out with me. ha ha we definitely have a "bromance" as I have been told. So Erica and her mom Diane picked me up from the airport and we began talking about camp and the drama that went with it. (oh the memories) It is so nice to be here in the warm climate. I am told that this is cold for Florida even though it is in the high 70's. Just a big change from this morning's blizzard! I'm barefoot, wearing shorts and a t-shirt and loving the warm rain outside.

Tomorrow I am seeing the sights of Florida with Erica and then in the evening, departing for Buenos Aires, Argentina, then to Ushuaia, then finally Antarctica! Let the adventure of a lifetime begin. I don't know the next time I'll update (because internet is scarce in Antarctica). I will write everyday though and post it later (including pictures) Have a Merry Christmas to all my friends and family!


All My Love,
Luke

The Adventure begins!

Tomorrow morning I leave Portland airport at 11:30. From there it's a short flight to Seattle. From Seattle, I got ot Miami, Florida and I'm staying the night with a friend! I'll get to see the beach. The next day (Monday) I leave from Florida around 3 and go all the way to Buesno Aires, Argentina. I get on a bus to another airport to board my final flight to Ushuaia. Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world and at the Southern tip of South America. I'll be in Ushuaia for about three days seeing the sights, then I got onto a boat, to take my to the Antarctica Penninsula, crossing the Drake Passage, which has been called the most trecherous sea in the world. (Barf city here I come).

I wil write somethng everyday, but will not be able to post it because internet access is limited. Wish me luck and I hope eveybody has a merry Christmas!


Love,
Luke

Antarctica

I leave for Antarctica in 11 days. Before that deadline comes rushing at me, have to write a research project and prepare a presentation on the Wandering Albatross and it's migration techniques, study for three finals, and write a 7-10 page paper about films I've watched all term about Indigenous People in the media. I am overwhelmed, excited, nervous, but most of all excited.
Anna got me a great book a bout photography in Antarctica and I'll put some pictures in here. I hope more than anything that I can come home with anything half as good as these images. I will not have internet in Antarctica, but I will in Argentina. I'll be sure to write an update before and after I make the woyage across the Drake passage to the largest continent on earth, the highest, dryest desert on the planet. A plce that holds most of the world's fresh water trapped in glaciers. A place with no indigenous people and the visiters are devoted to peaceful scientific study determening the affects of global climate change on our planet. I have never been more ready for this adventure.

All My Love,
Luke







Photos by Sebastian Copeland

story for you: One of my dearest friends Karen, is in Thailand right now teaching English in a school. She was able to vote, even so far away. When Obama said "To our fellow countries in palaces and castles...blah blah something something...and to those of you huddled around radios in the forgotten shadows of the world"..I lost it. I thought of my friend Karen so far away from home but still following the election. Last night I felt like not only was a whole country celebrating one huge achievement, but the whole world as well. I have many friends in England who stayed up all night to hear the results at 4 or 5 am their time, They are just as excited as we are because our countries actions affects the rest of the world. Karen said that people in Thailand came up to her on the street, recognized she was an American, and cheered and praised her for Obama's big win. The world celebrates.

Today is indeed a good day.

Love,
Luke