If you're an adventurous spirit, a dedicated environmentalist or a sailing enthusiast, you'll want to learn more about Around the Americas and their epic journey around two continents.
One Island, One Ocean is the story of that journey, told through the eyes of people who believe that the health of our oceans is critical to our survival on Earth.
Ironically, the fact that they could make this trip at all is proof that our planet is changing rapidly: Because our warming climate has melted Arctic ice throughout the Northwest Passage, the 64-foot ship Ocean Watch completed the trip from the Pacific to the Atlantic in only a few weeks. (That leg of the 13-month journey would have been impossible just a decade ago.)
Comments
I think the reason the OCEAN WATCH attempted and successfully completed the ‘Around the Americas’ in 2010 was “attitude” and not from global warming… in 1850 the HMS INVESTIGATOR sailed from England, rounded Cape Horn then discovered the first Northwest Passage in the Arctic when they became stuck in the ice on Banks Island and walked out over sea ice to Winter Harbor to the HMS RESOLUTE, which also became stuck in the ice, forcing all to walk 270 miles to Beechey Island to join HMS NORTH STAR which sailed to England in 1855 … fast forward 162 years to 2012 today. Global climate change you say? Sure it is on the list but for me it is much more important that I recognize ‘attitude’ because we cannot change our past – we can, though, make a choice to take steps forward, stand still or go backwards – the crew of the OCEAN WATCH, like those of HMS INVESTIGATOR are cut from the same cloth and will always be going forward because of their ‘can-do’ ‘never give up’ attitude… congratulations… hail to the captain and crew! I tip my hat to you all! Job well done!
Thanks for your comment, Douglas. I agree that a “can-do” attitude is essential for endeavors like Around the Americas. We can’t, however, ignore the fact that their journey would have been next-to-impossible in a 64-foot sailing ship if Arctic ice were at their typical levels. Only the melting of Arctic ice, no doubt caused by global warming — coupled with the crew’s spirit and attitude — made this journey possible.