Day Zero, 2008

Where it all began. From the myopic viewpoint, you could say, “Well it began today.”

But, that is a bit Reader’s Digest.

In actuality, it began about 3 years ago - not the actual trip of course, but, the genesis of the concept.

The NAVC Board of Directors had a brainstorming session. How could we make the NAVC a better experience for the attendees? What can we do differently? Where do we see the NAVC in 5, 10, 20 years? What would be our goals?

Lots of fantastic ideas came forth. One in particular seemed lofty, and somewhat unrealistic. Colin Burrows, our Executive Director, stated matter of factly “I want the NAVC to offer Continuing Education on every continent.”

Big goal - perhaps. But, not unreachable. The NAVC already had a presence in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and South America. Africa would surely follow. That pretty much left the South Pole.

I was at that meeting. I’ve always liked a challenge, and like Scott, Amundsen, Shackleton, and Byrd before me, I felt the draw to conquer Antarctica.

Dr. Ralph Barrett, past president of the NAVC, and then current Director of the Regional Institute, gave me the okay to investigate the possibility of sponsoring a CE course at the bottom of the world. I gathered some trip info, as did he.

What came about was a liaison with a Dr. Carol Walton, a veterinarian from Texas. She had established her own expedition company that sponsored trips to various unique places around the globe - amongst which were excursions to Antarctica.

After hundreds of e-mails and dozens of satellite phone calls, the concept had turned into reality.

So we begin. 29 intrepid souls from all over the country, from Alaska to Conch Republic, wearing the NAVC flag on our sleeves, head south, way south, to Antarctica. 21 met and departed from Atlanta this evening. We meet up with 8 more tomorrow in Buenos Aires for our flight to Ushuaia, Argentina where we will board the Explorer II, which for many of us will be the trip of a lifetime.

(Left image) Several of the participants got a treat and slipped away to visit Georgia Aquarium prior to leaving for Antartica. Dr. Geraldine Diethelm, Dianne Massiello, and Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald stand in awe before the beauty of the jelly fish gliding by. (Right Image) The signature of the Georgia Aquarium, the Whale Shark, glides by overhead the underwater tunnel. [Photo by Dr. Steve Barten]