Antarctica… on my way to the bottom

Antarctica / November 18, 2009

What a distance from jail to the National Geographic Explorer.

Started the trip in a little bit of snow to the Albuquerque airport, on to Miami, and finally to Santiago Chile. The jet to Chile was beautiful and the staff looked styled for a print ad for LAN airlines. Pressed suits, quaffed hair styles and of course the silk scarf.

My room at the Grand Hyatt was pure luxury and the amenities of the hotel were laced with amazing service. I had a view of the city with a backdrop of the snow-capped Andes Mountains.

That day we boarded a luxury tour bus headed for the Pre- Columbian Museum of Art. The museum was closed for a special tour with a PhD. specialist on the contents of the museum.

The evening came upon us fast and we dined in the Grand Ballroom with a short introduction of some of the staff. It was brought to my attention that Neil Armstong was sitting behind me. I retired for the evening and went sound a sleep.

Having a wakeup call, we preceded to the airport for our trip to the last city in the world, Ushuaia, Argentina.

On arrival, we boarded a tour bus and were guided through a national forest with an expert on the land and it’s surroundings. As we exited, I saw two catamarans waiting for us to board for transport to the ship, which included a delicious lunch. We saw various birds and seals on protruding rock formations and took the opportunity to take some photos.

The catamaran slowly cruised by the formidable ship that we were about to embark. As I walked up the steel stairway, I knew that I was about to have a trip of a lifetime. The captain, lead tour guide and some staff greeted us all. Our bags were waiting for us in our cabins.

Shorty after, another greeting and dinner. Off to sleep.

Next morning, breakfast and a formal introduction to the entire staff, which did include a few words by Neil Armstrong, followed by a lecture on southern ocean birds, digital photography, winds, currents, and productivity of the southern ocean, and finally a Antarctic landings briefing… cocktails, (no thanks) and dinner.

P.S. Miami

After flying all night from Santiago  Chile, I arrived in Miami at 4:50 a.m. and on to Circa Hotel 39 in South Beach Florida. Just driving from the airport, I knew that things were about to change. An easy check in, unpacked a few things, showered and slept from 6:30 am to 12:30 p.m. Onward, I walked along the beach and fell into the Ritz Carlton for lunch. Out on the beautiful patio, I ordered the Sun Cobb… maybe the best salad of my life… watched the beautiful people walk on by and just took in the glory of the ocean.

Walked about 65 blocks today gazing at the art deco buildings and window displays… back to the hotel and back to bed. Turned on TV for the first time in a month… horrible. Got up and took a cab to Little Havana and walked in on a place called El Pub, an authentic cuban joint. I felt like Anthony Bourdain gasping for air as I took my first bit of fried pork… heaven. The sides were rice & beans , plantain, and of course hot bread.

Walked around a bit and grabbed a cab to the new Fountain Blue. Talk about culture shock!  From Tabular Icebergs to the latest scene on the strip. This newly renovated palace is unbelievable. My sparking water was as much as my cuban dinner. I hung for a while and walked home passing the 60 Ft. yachts and here I am. Not sure what to think of this??

I'm a happy rock hopper

Antarctica December 7, 2009

At Sea, Bound for Ushuaia, Argentina

“In memories we are rich. We had pierced the veneer of outside things. We had suffered, starved and triumphed, groveled yet grasped at glory, grown bigger in the bigness of the whole. We had seen God in his splendor, heard the text that nature renders. We had reached the naked soul of man…” Sir Ernest Shackleton

Today concludes our trip. We are packing our bags filled with the smell and stains of our triumph.

At 10:00 am, Neil Armstrong gave a presentation telling the story of a journey to the North Pole in the late eighteen hundreds. He made a humorous comparison of the luxury traveling we all had experienced and used me as an illustration in his speech. It was something to the effect that those explorers did not have “Ron the flugelmiester” to entertain them… that their road less traveled came to their demise.

Just seconds before he spoke, he sat down with Kim, Peter and I, smiled, and asked, “Who is speaking today?” It was completely adorable. What an honor to be included into his final talk.

There seems to be a buzz that I may be able to return as a paid musician and presenter. The guests are coming up with sincere thanks for the contribution that I had made to their voyage. We will see…

Footprints in the snow

Antarctica December 6, 2009

It’s coming to a close…

Steeple Jason Island, Saunders Island, Carcass Island & New Island

Now that’s Island hopping… tons of wildlife, particularly birds.

We are off tonight to the open seas to return to South America and homeward bound. What a fantastic journey!!!!!

Last evening I played with Victor Grimes, concluding with a dazzling round of applause. In our short time together we connected and served up some fine music. I believe that I will get a few orders for my cd.

It has been profound for me to leave the world I know. What is in store for the next chapter? Do I really have any control of my destiny? The one thing I do know is change will occur, regardless of where I am pointed. Have my values altered? Do I really appreciate all in my life no matter how difficult?

Is it important that Neil Armstrong knows my name? You bet… that’s just pure fun. After getting to know me a little, he comes and sits down at my table… next to me. Yes, a little shallow, but no one comes close to his achievements. We both stepped on to the continent of Antarctica at the same time and left our footprints in the snow. I’ll never forget that for as long as I live.

Very British

Antarctica December 4 & 5, 2009

Stanley, Falkland Islands

Stanley is the capital and the town was established in the early 1840’s. We are going into “town” today after being at sea for two and a half days. I think the ship travels about 20 miles per hour with the current seas. This morning at 10:00 am will have another talk on the natural history of these islands. After lunch we will take a bus tour of the highlights then have some free time to look around.

Didn’t take to bus tour and my friends Kim, Pete and I walked to town. Not much… but we did land at a local English pub. Did I tell you that the Falkland Islands are British?

It was nice to walk on solid ground and hang with the locals.

Almost home…

Landed at Steeple Jason Island this morning, the largest home for black-browed albatross birds… about 157,000 breeding pairs. What a sight to see lining the shores for miles.

… and yes that’s Neil Armstrong in the background tipping a few back:)

Guess who is coming to dinner

Antarctica December 3, 2009

We are headed for the Falkland Islands and have been at sea for two days. Weather is rough and I have gotten a little sea sick, taking a pill and falling a sleep for many hours at a time.

Back tracking… I did have dinner with Neil Armstrong and his wife Carol, Melissa Rider a research scientist and my friends Kim and Pete. The conversation roamed around with all of us telling various stories and tales of our experiences. Neil is inquisitive and curious about everything with a very pleasant demeanor.

We are all getting a little antsy at this point and look forward to being on mainland again. On board, there have been many lectures on exploration that have added an education and flavor to this life experience.

I’m told that there is a video on the internet of me playing but I haven’t checked it out.