The Story



We are All Antarctica is a story about my father George W. Gibbs, Jr’s adventures as the first person of African descent to set foot on the continent of Antarctica. He sailed on the famous ship the USS Bear in 1939 to 1941 on Admiral Byrd’s III expedition to the South Pole. It was the first joint venture with the US military and private exploration. Gibbs went on to serve humanity in countless ways, paving the way for not only people of color in the community of Rochester, MN but for all people to become more human, serve their community and appreciate differences.

Through compassion, tenacity, faith and countless hours in the trenches, Gibbs’ life is a model for community service, equality and fun. As the lowest rank on the ship, he was honored for his contribution at a time when people with dark skin were considered less than human.

This story integrates my experiences with natural healing, the arts, the science of the ice, the metaphysics of the South Pole and the history of the expedition and its mystery.

Monday, February 20, 2012

Alejo Contreras Staeding, guide in Antarctica

Alejo Contreras Staeding is an excellent guide.  Little did I know how excellent.  He is the first Chilean to ski to the South Pole.  It took him 97 days on a solo trip.  He is the embodiment of an Antarctic explorer.  I learned to appreciate the beauty and mystery of polar exploration from the short time with Alejo.  His enthusiasm for going places no human has ever touched is something I hadn't thought of. 
We received a certificate of exploration from the company who prepared the tour.  DAP Antarctica hosted Bill Gates last year on this same trip!

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