August 30, 2018
Paul Rogers, Expedition Cruise to Antarctica
August 30, 2018
Buckets on the table are for the Shields Mission Program.
Paul Rogers, Expedition Cruise to Antarctica
February, 2007, my wife and 3 couples took a once in a lifetime cruise to Antarctica! We visited South Georgia Island, Falkland Islands and other wonderful places but would like to share the South Georgia portion of the trip. Antarctica is the fifth largest continent, 5 million square miles and doubles in size during the cold months. With less than two of inches precipitation a year, Antarctica earns the nickname Crystal Desert. There are no people living permanently on this continent, only some researchers that mostly populate during the summer months, with temperatures running 30 to minus 30 degrees. The travelers toured the areas on National Geographic’s ship, the Endeavour. A smaller ship that allowed travelers a more intimate cruise experience and easier access to the shore lines of the islands. South Georgia only allows 100 passengers at a time to step onto the Island which worked out well since there were only 100 passengers aboard. All were considered tourists, however, some doubled as Naturalists as well. South Georgia Island is 1,270 miles from Cape Horn and the surrounding waters support a productive food chain, a smorgasbord of sea food bringing in many sea birds, whales, seals and other wildlife. Scenery is dramatic. The island is 106 miles long and 25 miles wide and battered by storms with a mountain range that protects one side where wildlife thrives.
King penguins are the most entertaining, coming in at 3 feet in height, 25-35 pounds and are year round residents. They have no fear of humans and are very curious and social animals. Laying a single egg, every couple of years, they require no nest; just place the egg on their feet. Other wildlife include Macaroni penguins, which nest farther way from shore; Southern Giant Petrel, with sheaths on their beaks, to extend scent and expel salt water; Wandering Albatross, where long liners fishing boats result in 100,00 deaths of albatross each year. Fur seal population is rebounding on South Georgia Island (3.5 million), Southern Elephant seal, the largest of the seals weighing in at 8000 pounds for males (20 feet in length) and 2000 pounds females (12 feet in length). Reindeer, not native to the island, were brought in for non-seafood fare, but have since been removed. Shackleton’s journey and abandoned whaling sites were explored. Whale, once big business, populations now are recovering as well. Again, a once in a life time experience!
Committee reports
Barbara: $1500 raised for backpack program! Bags have been distributed and there are some left over for late arrivals. Invite you to think about providing snacks for children in need as well, discussion to follow.
Deb Hitchings: Shield Mission Program provides assistance with fuel, housing, transport, medical issues. September’s table buckets will help with this donation.
Mary: The board recommends Loriman Looke for membership, no objections.
International: May be shifting meeting day to a Monday, more discussion to come
EREY: Sandy Cox, Deb Hitchings, Noel Cox, Mik Mikkelsen
Interact: Meeting changed to Monday after school starting sept 10th, looking to increase numbers.
Fellowship: Progressive dinner, $5 fee for drinks
Leamon: 2nd year for annual sponsorship program, time for renewal. Would like to thank Vanderbilt Beach Resort, Rockport Automotive and Camden Accommodations!
Bruce: Chowder Challenge this weekend, rain or shine! Great shape on volunteers! See you there!
Bob Rubin: Christmas trees sales in the 26th year! Will be held again at Maine Sport! We need a snow blower/person to clear the lot. Orders are in for the trees! See Ray for garland pre-orders.
Mary: Wednesday, September 5th, the board will be meeting at Lord Camden Inn, 6pm, come early for appetizers!
Tiki Time: Mike Moore, next September 7th, in Owls Head
Next meeting: District Governor Noel visit