It’s the last full day on the ship, and it is so tough to say goodbye to the incredible people on this expedition. The National Geographic naturalists have been incredible- learning from scientists who have ongoing research projects on seals, ice, and underwater marine life, just to name a few, has been an unbelievable learning experience. Getting camera setting tips from National Geographic photographers is a wonderful learning experience! I knew when I left home for this journey that it would be the experience of a lifetime, but I never realized exactly how deep this adventure would go!
I think one of the greatest things about this journey will be how it is not over yet. I am collaborating with teachers all over the US and the world in a variety of subject matters- from high school physics, to 5th grade classrooms, to other music teachers. I have activities planned for my own teaching, and I did data collection for other teachers. This is truly a global project and I’m grateful to be a part of all of it.
Today featured more presentations from our naturalists, including a discussion on “Protecting the World’s Most Important Ocean” (how important the Southern Ocean is), “Photographing When it Hurts” (taking photographs in less than ideal situations), “Threats to Seabirds and the Marine Ecosystem” and “Natural History Behind the Scenes”
After lunch, we passed Cape Horn. It was beautiful to see those jagged cliffs coming into view – I never really knew how beautiful this area of South America is. It’s definitely a bit disappointing to see land again, but then I remember that a return to land means I’m that much closer to being reunited with my family!
Tonight we got a treat- it was a dance party with the band “Shackletunes,” which is composed of waitstaff, stewards, and crew. It was quite the international event. What better example of how music brings people together than to have all of these people forming this band just for fun and playing for the guests! And, everyone- guests and staff- danced all night long. It was a wonderful celebration to end the night!
Tomorrow we get the opportunity to explore Ushuaia for a few hours before the charter plane takes us back to Buenos Aires, and ultimately home. I doubt I’ll have a chance to blog, but I won’t rule out trying to do so in an airport.
Thank you all for coming along with me on this journey! Those of you who are teachers- consider applying so that you can have your own expedition. The deadline for the Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship has ended for this year, but that just gives you a longer amount of time to turn your classroom into its best explorer incubator in preparation for a great application ahead. And if you need any help in that regard, contact me. I’m happy to help.
I will be continuing to blog here as the lessons and projects that come from this experience are developed and executed with the students I teach. Feel free to continue to follow along, but I won’t be posting the links on social media every time I post a new blog entry.
Car Full of Harmony 
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