mike libecki this guy has completely changed my life I met Mike in 2012 we
changed my life I met Mike in 2012 we
changed my life I met Mike in 2012 we did an expedition to Greenland
did an expedition to Greenland
did an expedition to Greenland this is a picture of Mike after a trip
this is a picture of Mike after a trip
this is a picture of Mike after a trip we did when we went to china kyrgyzstan
we did when we went to china kyrgyzstan
we did when we went to china kyrgyzstan border did a big rock climb and we lived
border did a big rock climb and we lived
border did a big rock climb and we lived you know when you live out for a month
you know when you live out for a month
you know when you live out for a month out in the backcountry you start to
out in the backcountry you start to
out in the backcountry you start to stink all your stuff smells right you
stink all your stuff smells right you
stink all your stuff smells right you can’t wait for the hotel you can’t wait
can’t wait for the hotel you can’t wait
can’t wait for the hotel you can’t wait to just pack all that stuff up and put
to just pack all that stuff up and put
to just pack all that stuff up and put it away and be like I will deal with you
it away and be like I will deal with you
it away and be like I will deal with you when I get home like I need like two
when I get home like I need like two
when I get home like I need like two days of rest I want to get clean Mike
days of rest I want to get clean Mike
days of rest I want to get clean Mike he’s so driven so I we get to our first
he’s so driven so I we get to our first
he’s so driven so I we get to our first hotel and we’re all like so excited I go
hotel and we’re all like so excited I go
hotel and we’re all like so excited I go just stuff ignored and I remember taking
just stuff ignored and I remember taking
just stuff ignored and I remember taking a shower and I walk over into Mike’s
a shower and I walk over into Mike’s
a shower and I walk over into Mike’s room when he’s sharing a room with this
room when he’s sharing a room with this
room when he’s sharing a room with this other guy Ethan and I come in their room
other guy Ethan and I come in their room
other guy Ethan and I come in their room and it smells like Basecamp but Michael
and it smells like Basecamp but Michael
and it smells like Basecamp but Michael what’s going on I’m either that all of
what’s going on I’m either that all of
what’s going on I’m either that all of his wet stuffs is out drying he’s
his wet stuffs is out drying he’s
his wet stuffs is out drying he’s already taking inventory and everything
already taking inventory and everything
already taking inventory and everything you have he’s so motivated it’s almost
you have he’s so motivated it’s almost
you have he’s so motivated it’s almost like he’s leaving for another expedition
like he’s leaving for another expedition
like he’s leaving for another expedition like right after this which he probably
like right after this which he probably
like right after this which he probably was he’s done like 60 expeditions he’s
was he’s done like 60 expeditions he’s
was he’s done like 60 expeditions he’s amazing and I look over and my friend
amazing and I look over and my friend
amazing and I look over and my friend Ethan he’s doing that thing where you
Ethan he’s doing that thing where you
Ethan he’s doing that thing where you got your shirt over your nose but he’s
got your shirt over your nose but he’s
got your shirt over your nose but he’s like reading could I come in he’s like
like reading could I come in he’s like
like reading could I come in he’s like hey wasn’t even like he said anything
hey wasn’t even like he said anything
hey wasn’t even like he said anything like those into sake was just like hit
like those into sake was just like hit
like those into sake was just like hit accept that it is f1 but mike is that
accept that it is f1 but mike is that
accept that it is f1 but mike is that guy is so motivated so I did this trip
guy is so motivated so I did this trip
guy is so motivated so I did this trip with him in Greenland and after the trip
with him in Greenland and after the trip
with him in Greenland and after the trip he said to me he’s like man I’m planning
he said to me he’s like man I’m planning
he said to me he’s like man I’m planning on going to Antarctica this you know in
on going to Antarctica this you know in
on going to Antarctica this you know in November and I think national
November and I think national
November and I think national Geographics on board he’s like do you
Geographics on board he’s like do you
Geographics on board he’s like do you want to come you could you can be the
want to come you could you can be the
want to come you could you can be the filmmaker I’m talking to Cory Richards
filmmaker I’m talking to Cory Richards
filmmaker I’m talking to Cory Richards he’s going to be the photographer and
he’s going to be the photographer and
he’s going to be the photographer and Freddie Wilkinson he’s going to be my
Freddie Wilkinson he’s going to be my
Freddie Wilkinson he’s going to be my climbing partner so I knew all these
climbing partner so I knew all these
climbing partner so I knew all these guys right and I was like that sounds
guys right and I was like that sounds
guys right and I was like that sounds like an incredible trip it’s like okay
like an incredible trip it’s like okay
like an incredible trip it’s like okay well I’m planning on it being two months
well I’m planning on it being two months
well I’m planning on it being two months you’re going to need to take two months
you’re going to need to take two months
you’re going to need to take two months off if it happens and I said I’ll make
off if it happens and I said I’ll make
off if it happens and I said I’ll make if this comes through like I’ll make it
if this comes through like I’ll make it
if this comes through like I’ll make it work so sure enough National Geographic
work so sure enough National Geographic
work so sure enough National Geographic they’re into this story and off we went
they’re into this story and off we went
they’re into this story and off we went down to Antarctica for one of the
down to Antarctica for one of the
down to Antarctica for one of the coolest adventures of my life an
coolest adventures of my life an
coolest adventures of my life an incredible expedition getting to
incredible expedition getting to
incredible expedition getting to Antarctica is not simple it’s not like
Antarctica is not simple it’s not like
Antarctica is not simple it’s not like you just call up like United and you
you just call up like United and you
you just call up like United and you just like fly down it’s like a series of
just like fly down it’s like a series of
just like fly down it’s like a series of slice and so we’re in South Africa here
slice and so we’re in South Africa here
slice and so we’re in South Africa here this plane here this is like an old
this plane here this is like an old
this plane here this is like an old military plane
military plane
military plane run by this group called all see it’s a
run by this group called all see it’s a
run by this group called all see it’s a Russian outfit and basically we show up
Russian outfit and basically we show up
Russian outfit and basically we show up you board this flight and you get on and
you board this flight and you get on and
you board this flight and you get on and it’s a six-hour flight from the tip of
it’s a six-hour flight from the tip of
it’s a six-hour flight from the tip of South Africa to Antarctica and it’s a
South Africa to Antarctica and it’s a
South Africa to Antarctica and it’s a crazy flight it’s not like you get on
crazy flight it’s not like you get on
crazy flight it’s not like you get on and there’s like flight attendants it
and there’s like flight attendants it
and there’s like flight attendants it says this is a bunch of like scientists
says this is a bunch of like scientists
says this is a bunch of like scientists and like military people that work on
and like military people that work on
and like military people that work on this base and the porta-potties are like
this base and the porta-potties are like
this base and the porta-potties are like bolted down to the bats of toilet
bolted down to the bats of toilet
bolted down to the bats of toilet situation and then your gear you think
situation and then your gear you think
situation and then your gear you think this is like cargo nets I’m like what
this is like cargo nets I’m like what
this is like cargo nets I’m like what about if there’s turbulence I don’t I
about if there’s turbulence I don’t I
about if there’s turbulence I don’t I don’t think they care can just get
don’t think they care can just get
don’t think they care can just get bucked around a Mexican so anyway we get
bucked around a Mexican so anyway we get
bucked around a Mexican so anyway we get on the flight we’re like this is kind of
on the flight we’re like this is kind of
on the flight we’re like this is kind of crazy well the flight only has enough
crazy well the flight only has enough
crazy well the flight only has enough gas to make it across the ocean right
gas to make it across the ocean right
gas to make it across the ocean right when you get to the halfway point it’s
when you get to the halfway point it’s
when you get to the halfway point it’s called the point in our return so when
called the point in our return so when
called the point in our return so when they go they really make sure there’s a
they go they really make sure there’s a
they go they really make sure there’s a good weather window right so we waited
good weather window right so we waited
good weather window right so we waited in Cape Town for it was a week or more
in Cape Town for it was a week or more
in Cape Town for it was a week or more waiting for that weather window to
waiting for that weather window to
waiting for that weather window to happen and then when it happened when we
happen and then when it happened when we
happen and then when it happened when we got it boom you go down and you land in
got it boom you go down and you land in
got it boom you go down and you land in this like completely new place right
this like completely new place right
this like completely new place right it’s summer in South Africa in November
it’s summer in South Africa in November
it’s summer in South Africa in November and then you arrive down here where it’s
and then you arrive down here where it’s
and then you arrive down here where it’s you know minus 20 like right off the
you know minus 20 like right off the
you know minus 20 like right off the plane you get dressed like an hour
plane you get dressed like an hour
plane you get dressed like an hour before you oh they said this send up
before you oh they said this send up
before you oh they said this send up this little signal I could put your
this little signal I could put your
this little signal I could put your clothes on and you just like fully get
clothes on and you just like fully get
clothes on and you just like fully get dressed and then when you get off you
dressed and then when you get off you
dressed and then when you get off you start hauling your bags and there’s guys
start hauling your bags and there’s guys
start hauling your bags and there’s guys waiting there were sleds
waiting there were sleds
waiting there were sleds they take you to your little home these
they take you to your little home these
they take you to your little home these little conics containers so day one
little conics containers so day one
little conics containers so day one really nice weather window we got in Bay
really nice weather window we got in Bay
really nice weather window we got in Bay 2 we wake up and it’s crazy outside it’s
2 we wake up and it’s crazy outside it’s
2 we wake up and it’s crazy outside it’s like the winds picked up freezing cold
like the winds picked up freezing cold
like the winds picked up freezing cold this lasted for about five days right
this lasted for about five days right
this lasted for about five days right and they’re just the people there
and they’re just the people there
and they’re just the people there they’re used to it they’re just like
they’re used to it they’re just like
they’re used to it they’re just like plow and stuff keeping the flight paths
plow and stuff keeping the flight paths
plow and stuff keeping the flight paths clean
clean
clean we’re just festering in our rooms for
we’re just festering in our rooms for
we’re just festering in our rooms for like this is awful just kind of
like this is awful just kind of
like this is awful just kind of purgatory waiting and what you do every
purgatory waiting and what you do every
purgatory waiting and what you do every day is you go in you check the weather
day is you go in you check the weather
day is you go in you check the weather as the weather changed you know it
as the weather changed you know it
as the weather changed you know it hasn’t what you ask anyway
hasn’t what you ask anyway
hasn’t what you ask anyway so on the fifth day this guy here is
so on the fifth day this guy here is
so on the fifth day this guy here is like the Russian meteorologist he’s kind
like the Russian meteorologist he’s kind
like the Russian meteorologist he’s kind of explaining like hey looks like you
of explaining like hey looks like you
of explaining like hey looks like you guys are going to have a window you can
guys are going to have a window you can
guys are going to have a window you can have like a 10 hour window it’s going to
have like a 10 hour window it’s going to
have like a 10 hour window it’s going to be really short so we took all the gear
be really short so we took all the gear
be really short so we took all the gear it’s like 1,800 pounds of gear like
it’s like 1,800 pounds of gear like
it’s like 1,800 pounds of gear like duffel bags everything else load it in
duffel bags everything else load it in
duffel bags everything else load it in the plane and the pilot explained to us
the plane and the pilot explained to us
the plane and the pilot explained to us like look I can get you in but you guys
like look I can get you in but you guys
like look I can get you in but you guys got to get your gear real quick
got to get your gear real quick
got to get your gear real quick I got to get back if so the thing goes
I got to get back if so the thing goes
I got to get back if so the thing goes like 200 miles and there’s Mike
like 200 miles and there’s Mike
like 200 miles and there’s Mike perpetually excited he’s like
perpetually excited he’s like
perpetually excited he’s like unflappable this guy I’ve seen him break
unflappable this guy I’ve seen him break
unflappable this guy I’ve seen him break his hand he’s like ah you know I’m not
his hand he’s like ah you know I’m not
his hand he’s like ah you know I’m not I’m not kidding and he’s the only guy
I’m not kidding and he’s the only guy
I’m not kidding and he’s the only guy that got frostbite on the trip then to
that got frostbite on the trip then to
that got frostbite on the trip then to use no problem until anyway you land you
use no problem until anyway you land you
use no problem until anyway you land you unpacked and then watching the plane go
unpacked and then watching the plane go
unpacked and then watching the plane go away that’s a very surreal feeling right
away that’s a very surreal feeling right
away that’s a very surreal feeling right that is the last bit of heat and comfort
that is the last bit of heat and comfort
that is the last bit of heat and comfort and and I forget we were there fifty
and and I forget we were there fifty
and and I forget we were there fifty days or some crazy right and you and you
days or some crazy right and you and you
days or some crazy right and you and you really it’s things and quick you know as
really it’s things and quick you know as
really it’s things and quick you know as you’re pulling all the equipment off
you’re pulling all the equipment off
you’re pulling all the equipment off you’re just like man this it’s on places
you’re just like man this it’s on places
you’re just like man this it’s on places is happening and and then the first
is happening and and then the first
is happening and and then the first thing you do is there’s no time to waste
thing you do is there’s no time to waste
thing you do is there’s no time to waste because we know how quickly the weather
because we know how quickly the weather
because we know how quickly the weather changes down there first thing you do is
changes down there first thing you do is
changes down there first thing you do is we built base camp and what we did was
we built base camp and what we did was
we built base camp and what we did was we’re out in the middle of the ice cap
we’re out in the middle of the ice cap
we’re out in the middle of the ice cap here so we just like cut out ice blocks
here so we just like cut out ice blocks
here so we just like cut out ice blocks and this is all under Mike’s guidance
and this is all under Mike’s guidance
and this is all under Mike’s guidance he’d been to Antarctica six times even
he’d been to Antarctica six times even
he’d been to Antarctica six times even in a solo trip which to this day I don’t
in a solo trip which to this day I don’t
in a solo trip which to this day I don’t know how he did it and we you know you
know how he did it and we you know you
know how he did it and we you know you built this perimeter and this is really
built this perimeter and this is really
built this perimeter and this is really more for wind and we set up base camp
more for wind and we set up base camp
more for wind and we set up base camp and life was pretty good we were psyched
and life was pretty good we were psyched
and life was pretty good we were psyched I remember waking up the next morning
I remember waking up the next morning
I remember waking up the next morning and it was already the walls already
and it was already the walls already
and it was already the walls already bent and like collapsing and Freddie’s
bent and like collapsing and Freddie’s
bent and like collapsing and Freddie’s out there like just shoveling and doing
out there like just shoveling and doing
out there like just shoveling and doing maintenance and I’m like wow
maintenance and I’m like wow
maintenance and I’m like wow this is going to be a full-time job just
this is going to be a full-time job just
this is going to be a full-time job just keeping this thing together but the plan
keeping this thing together but the plan
keeping this thing together but the plan was to not stay here the plan was we
was to not stay here the plan was we
was to not stay here the plan was we were going to do a big circumnavigation
were going to do a big circumnavigation
were going to do a big circumnavigation around the entire mountain range I’m
around the entire mountain range I’m
around the entire mountain range I’m going to look for the perfect climbing
going to look for the perfect climbing
going to look for the perfect climbing line and do a little exploration so what
line and do a little exploration so what
line and do a little exploration so what we did is we Pat you note on day three
we did is we Pat you note on day three
we did is we Pat you note on day three because we knew the weather was like
because we knew the weather was like
because we knew the weather was like okay we packed up our sleds and about 90
okay we packed up our sleds and about 90
okay we packed up our sleds and about 90 pounds each with tents and food and the
pounds each with tents and food and the
pounds each with tents and food and the plan was the kite ski so this is mike
plan was the kite ski so this is mike
plan was the kite ski so this is mike libecki here attempting to kite ski
libecki here attempting to kite ski
libecki here attempting to kite ski it was crazy watching him take off it
it was crazy watching him take off it
it was crazy watching him take off it was it was the fifth element at a
was it was the fifth element at a
was it was the fifth element at a slingshot they’re like and so we knew
slingshot they’re like and so we knew
slingshot they’re like and so we knew that wasn’t going to work so we and I
that wasn’t going to work so we and I
that wasn’t going to work so we and I was relieved because I don’t even know
was relieved because I don’t even know
was relieved because I don’t even know how to ski I screw up snowboarding I go
how to ski I screw up snowboarding I go
how to ski I screw up snowboarding I go snowboarding and so anyway day one we
snowboarding and so anyway day one we
snowboarding and so anyway day one we just we it was probably 10 hours of this
just we it was probably 10 hours of this
just we it was probably 10 hours of this and we show up at the end at the end of
and we show up at the end at the end of
and we show up at the end at the end of the day we’re like okay we have to set
the day we’re like okay we have to set
the day we’re like okay we have to set up base camp while the winds were
up base camp while the winds were
up base camp while the winds were hideously howling and we found this
hideously howling and we found this
hideously howling and we found this little tiny Boulder here and that was
little tiny Boulder here and that was
little tiny Boulder here and that was the only little shelter we had to kind
the only little shelter we had to kind
the only little shelter we had to kind of to get behind it’s probably like 1:00
of to get behind it’s probably like 1:00
of to get behind it’s probably like 1:00 in the morning at this point you know
in the morning at this point you know
in the morning at this point you know the sun’s always up in the summertime
the sun’s always up in the summertime
the sun’s always up in the summertime down there it’s like Midnight Sun and so
down there it’s like Midnight Sun and so
down there it’s like Midnight Sun and so I remember this day being the worst day
I remember this day being the worst day
I remember this day being the worst day of the whole trip and thank God it was
of the whole trip and thank God it was
of the whole trip and thank God it was like days 3 or 4 but I just like I had
like days 3 or 4 but I just like I had
like days 3 or 4 but I just like I had no frame of reference I’m like this is
no frame of reference I’m like this is
no frame of reference I’m like this is this is going to be hard I don’t know
this is going to be hard I don’t know
this is going to be hard I don’t know what I’m going to do here because just
what I’m going to do here because just
what I’m going to do here because just setting this camp up was awfully weak I
setting this camp up was awfully weak I
setting this camp up was awfully weak I remember Cory and I getting in our tent
remember Cory and I getting in our tent
remember Cory and I getting in our tent and you’re soaking wet from all because
and you’re soaking wet from all because
and you’re soaking wet from all because you’re you’re overheating because you’re
you’re you’re overheating because you’re
you’re you’re overheating because you’re working and then the snows is going all
working and then the snows is going all
working and then the snows is going all down you and you just wet you know and
down you and you just wet you know and
down you and you just wet you know and I’m like I can’t do 45 days man that
I’m like I can’t do 45 days man that
I’m like I can’t do 45 days man that bike and Freddy are in there just like
bike and Freddy are in there just like
bike and Freddy are in there just like laughing and guys fun right and I’m like
laughing and guys fun right and I’m like
laughing and guys fun right and I’m like yeah super fun and so for five days we
yeah super fun and so for five days we
yeah super fun and so for five days we circumnavigated this mountain range and
circumnavigated this mountain range and
circumnavigated this mountain range and it was a surreal experience I’ve never
it was a surreal experience I’ve never
it was a surreal experience I’ve never done anything like it you know it was
done anything like it you know it was
done anything like it you know it was either snow and skis or on the right
either snow and skis or on the right
either snow and skis or on the right here there was times where it would be
here there was times where it would be
here there was times where it would be just miles and miles of just blue
just miles and miles of just blue
just miles and miles of just blue sapphire blue ice and it was never just
sapphire blue ice and it was never just
sapphire blue ice and it was never just flat it was it was very
flat it was it was very
flat it was it was very three-dimensional and you’d put crampons
three-dimensional and you’d put crampons
three-dimensional and you’d put crampons on and you would just walk and there
on and you would just walk and there
on and you would just walk and there were times where we would be staggered
were times where we would be staggered
were times where we would be staggered by like maybe even a mile apart so you
by like maybe even a mile apart so you
by like maybe even a mile apart so you would be pretty alone at one point I
would be pretty alone at one point I
would be pretty alone at one point I left a tripod I stopped and I shot some
left a tripod I stopped and I shot some
left a tripod I stopped and I shot some pictures or video and as the you know we
pictures or video and as the you know we
pictures or video and as the you know we stopped at our next little rough spot
stopped at our next little rough spot
stopped at our next little rough spot like two miles up and I went to grab my
like two miles up and I went to grab my
like two miles up and I went to grab my tripod and I left it and I had to go
tripod and I left it and I had to go
tripod and I left it and I had to go back Cory waited for me and Mike and
back Cory waited for me and Mike and
back Cory waited for me and Mike and Freddy were like we need to find a base
Freddy were like we need to find a base
Freddy were like we need to find a base camp so I went back and I remembered
camp so I went back and I remembered
camp so I went back and I remembered during that little two-mile walk back it
during that little two-mile walk back it
during that little two-mile walk back it was it was like a beautiful scary
was it was like a beautiful scary
was it was like a beautiful scary feeling you know it was like you don’t
feeling you know it was like you don’t
feeling you know it was like you don’t want anything bad to happen because
want anything bad to happen because
want anything bad to happen because that would be terrible you’re in a bad
that would be terrible you’re in a bad
that would be terrible you’re in a bad situation to be get injured but it was
situation to be get injured but it was
situation to be get injured but it was also surreal and kind of interesting to
also surreal and kind of interesting to
also surreal and kind of interesting to be like wow this is the farthest away
be like wow this is the farthest away
be like wow this is the farthest away I’ve ever been from people in my entire
I’ve ever been from people in my entire
I’ve ever been from people in my entire life and probably ever will be and that
life and probably ever will be and that
life and probably ever will be and that you can experience that in Antarctica so
you can experience that in Antarctica so
you can experience that in Antarctica so the plan is you know you set up these
the plan is you know you set up these
the plan is you know you set up these little satellite camps and we would run
little satellite camps and we would run
little satellite camps and we would run into the mountains and we would use
into the mountains and we would use
into the mountains and we would use binoculars trying to find the perfect
binoculars trying to find the perfect
binoculars trying to find the perfect climb and on the final day we actually
climb and on the final day we actually
climb and on the final day we actually did get to this kite ski and again I’ve
did get to this kite ski and again I’ve
did get to this kite ski and again I’ve never skied before I wish I had this on
never skied before I wish I had this on
never skied before I wish I had this on film
film
film I remember everyone’s like we’re at our
I remember everyone’s like we’re at our
I remember everyone’s like we’re at our wits end at this point it’s day five
wits end at this point it’s day five
wits end at this point it’s day five we’re all tired we’re just pining to get
we’re all tired we’re just pining to get
we’re all tired we’re just pining to get back to base camp we’re tired and so
back to base camp we’re tired and so
back to base camp we’re tired and so Mike’s helping me set my kite up right
Mike’s helping me set my kite up right
Mike’s helping me set my kite up right and you know as I’ve never skied I can
and you know as I’ve never skied I can
and you know as I’ve never skied I can cross-country ski pretty good at this
cross-country ski pretty good at this
cross-country ski pretty good at this point and I understand edging just from
point and I understand edging just from
point and I understand edging just from you know using my ideas from
you know using my ideas from
you know using my ideas from snowboarding but it’s different
snowboarding but it’s different
snowboarding but it’s different whiskey’s and so Mike’s helping me out
whiskey’s and so Mike’s helping me out
whiskey’s and so Mike’s helping me out and he’s got my kite he’s going to
and he’s got my kite he’s going to
and he’s got my kite he’s going to launch it for me right let it get filled
launch it for me right let it get filled
launch it for me right let it get filled with wind and he says to me the last
with wind and he says to me the last
with wind and he says to me the last thing you so he’s like remember keeps a
thing you so he’s like remember keeps a
thing you so he’s like remember keeps a french fries whatever you ski you know
french fries whatever you ski you know
french fries whatever you ski you know what that means if you’ve done it
what that means if you’ve done it
what that means if you’ve done it basically means to slow down pizza to go
basically means to slow down pizza to go
basically means to slow down pizza to go fast french fries right I’m like oh man
fast french fries right I’m like oh man
fast french fries right I’m like oh man but so off I go when they probably got
but so off I go when they probably got
but so off I go when they probably got about I would say a mile maybe a little
about I would say a mile maybe a little
about I would say a mile maybe a little more and I’m gripped right but I’m
more and I’m gripped right but I’m
more and I’m gripped right but I’m making it work it is totally like flight
making it work it is totally like flight
making it work it is totally like flight or fight or flight and he looked nervous
or fight or flight and he looked nervous
or fight or flight and he looked nervous letting me go because you could break
letting me go because you could break
letting me go because you could break your leg man I got 90 pounds of stuff
your leg man I got 90 pounds of stuff
your leg man I got 90 pounds of stuff like tents and crampons and stuff and it
like tents and crampons and stuff and it
like tents and crampons and stuff and it can’t you know you’ve got these poles so
can’t you know you’ve got these poles so
can’t you know you’ve got these poles so it’s sort of separated from you but it’s
it’s sort of separated from you but it’s
it’s sort of separated from you but it’s not great and everyone’s left right
not great and everyone’s left right
not great and everyone’s left right we’ve got walkie-talkies but we’re all
we’ve got walkie-talkies but we’re all
we’ve got walkie-talkies but we’re all very spread out at this point and so I
very spread out at this point and so I
very spread out at this point and so I go taking off and and these guys all had
go taking off and and these guys all had
go taking off and and these guys all had like a little harness so they could kind
like a little harness so they could kind
like a little harness so they could kind of clip their handle onto so you know
of clip their handle onto so you know
of clip their handle onto so you know it’s good you don’t having to grip onto
it’s good you don’t having to grip onto
it’s good you don’t having to grip onto this thing and use all your strength you
this thing and use all your strength you
this thing and use all your strength you just have to kind of navigate it I
just have to kind of navigate it I
just have to kind of navigate it I didn’t have a harness and and I’m just
didn’t have a harness and and I’m just
didn’t have a harness and and I’m just holding it right and so about a mile
holding it right and so about a mile
holding it right and so about a mile into the thing and you’re screaming fast
into the thing and you’re screaming fast
into the thing and you’re screaming fast I’m like I cannot hold this thing
I’m like I cannot hold this thing
I’m like I cannot hold this thing anymore you know I’m pumped out of my
anymore you know I’m pumped out of my
anymore you know I’m pumped out of my mind and Mike said okay when you want to
mind and Mike said okay when you want to
mind and Mike said okay when you want to drop the kite you move the bar this way
drop the kite you move the bar this way
drop the kite you move the bar this way it’ll move the strings the window fall
it’ll move the strings the window fall
it’ll move the strings the window fall the kite will fall down so I’m just like
the kite will fall down so I’m just like
the kite will fall down so I’m just like trying to Pizza french fries my crazy
trying to Pizza french fries my crazy
trying to Pizza french fries my crazy thinking of like whole
thinking of like whole
thinking of like whole the thing and the kite won’t fall right
the thing and the kite won’t fall right
the thing and the kite won’t fall right I’m just like this is terrible so
I’m just like this is terrible so
I’m just like this is terrible so finally I get the point where I can’t
finally I get the point where I can’t
finally I get the point where I can’t hold it anymore
hold it anymore
hold it anymore nice let me go where’s like I watch to
nice let me go where’s like I watch to
nice let me go where’s like I watch to just sail away and I’m like I have to go
just sail away and I’m like I have to go
just sail away and I’m like I have to go get it man
get it man
get it man so bad and I fell to my knees and I did
so bad and I fell to my knees and I did
so bad and I fell to my knees and I did the only thing I could do was I knew I
the only thing I could do was I knew I
the only thing I could do was I knew I had to like get this rage out so it’s
had to like get this rage out so it’s
had to like get this rage out so it’s all my knees very tired but I remember I
all my knees very tired but I remember I
all my knees very tired but I remember I just like pounded mostly like a child I
just like pounded mostly like a child I
just like pounded mostly like a child I just like powder my system to snow and
just like powder my system to snow and
just like powder my system to snow and like scream some curse word and then I
like scream some curse word and then I
like scream some curse word and then I was like okay that’s all you can’t man
was like okay that’s all you can’t man
was like okay that’s all you can’t man you got to go get it so I put my skins
you got to go get it so I put my skins
you got to go get it so I put my skins on which is a total process right and I
on which is a total process right and I
on which is a total process right and I and then when I try to get out well the
and then when I try to get out well the
and then when I try to get out well the worst part is is I’d get like ten feet
worst part is is I’d get like ten feet
worst part is is I’d get like ten feet from the kite and the way is it hit the
from the kite and the way is it hit the
from the kite and the way is it hit the ground out in the wind would just be
ground out in the wind would just be
ground out in the wind would just be like you know like oh man if I get it
like you know like oh man if I get it
like you know like oh man if I get it with like your pole and it was just it
with like your pole and it was just it
with like your pole and it was just it did that for like a mile right and I
did that for like a mile right and I
did that for like a mile right and I almost left it but I just was like this
almost left it but I just was like this
almost left it but I just was like this is my trash I need to back it up so I
is my trash I need to back it up so I
is my trash I need to back it up so I got it and I stuffed it into my thing I
got it and I stuffed it into my thing I
got it and I stuffed it into my thing I was like I’ll never use this again I
was like I’ll never use this again I
was like I’ll never use this again I didn’t like fold it up nicely at all
didn’t like fold it up nicely at all
didn’t like fold it up nicely at all anyway that I need to move on okay so we
anyway that I need to move on okay so we
anyway that I need to move on okay so we get back to base camp right and this is
get back to base camp right and this is
get back to base camp right and this is what we came back to five days was
what we came back to five days was
what we came back to five days was enough to just utterly ravage our camp
enough to just utterly ravage our camp
enough to just utterly ravage our camp right and poor Freddy
right and poor Freddy
right and poor Freddy he was the writer so the writer should
he was the writer so the writer should
he was the writer so the writer should always have the worst experience so have
always have the worst experience so have
always have the worst experience so have like maybe he needs something to talk
like maybe he needs something to talk
like maybe he needs something to talk about so his tent was totally destroyed
about so his tent was totally destroyed
about so his tent was totally destroyed right but we knew like we cannot stay
right but we knew like we cannot stay
right but we knew like we cannot stay here but on our trip we we found out
here but on our trip we we found out
here but on our trip we we found out where we wanted to climb right reflected
where we wanted to climb right reflected
where we wanted to climb right reflected in Mike’s Colossus here the tower on the
in Mike’s Colossus here the tower on the
in Mike’s Colossus here the tower on the right that was the line so that was good
right that was the line so that was good
right that was the line so that was good we had accomplished something but we
we had accomplished something but we
we had accomplished something but we knew we have to move all this gear and
knew we have to move all this gear and
knew we have to move all this gear and we cannot stay out in this ice cap so we
we cannot stay out in this ice cap so we
we cannot stay out in this ice cap so we moved into the callus field over here
moved into the callus field over here
moved into the callus field over here the towers just slightly out of frame on
the towers just slightly out of frame on
the towers just slightly out of frame on the left but all 1,800 pounds of gear
the left but all 1,800 pounds of gear
the left but all 1,800 pounds of gear had to go to took two days right of just
had to go to took two days right of just
had to go to took two days right of just like load after load you’d ski it in and
like load after load you’d ski it in and
like load after load you’d ski it in and then you’d have to like to hike it up
then you’d have to like to hike it up
then you’d have to like to hike it up but we found this really great spot kind
but we found this really great spot kind
but we found this really great spot kind of mostly out of the wind and it was
of mostly out of the wind and it was
of mostly out of the wind and it was close enough to the tower and we nestled
close enough to the tower and we nestled
close enough to the tower and we nestled in and it was
in and it was
in and it was great there was the wind was a lot less
great there was the wind was a lot less
great there was the wind was a lot less the snow was the real problem because
the snow was the real problem because
the snow was the real problem because the wind just pushes snow on you all the
the wind just pushes snow on you all the
the wind just pushes snow on you all the time when we were out of that but the
time when we were out of that but the
time when we were out of that but the one thing we we know the only bet the
one thing we we know the only bet the
one thing we we know the only bet the only non benefit of the snow is we had
only non benefit of the snow is we had
only non benefit of the snow is we had to find little snow patches of snow that
to find little snow patches of snow that
to find little snow patches of snow that had collected and that’s where we would
had collected and that’s where we would
had collected and that’s where we would have to like you know fill up big duffle
have to like you know fill up big duffle
have to like you know fill up big duffle bags and that’s for how we drink our
bags and that’s for how we drink our
bags and that’s for how we drink our water so this little white stuff you’re
water so this little white stuff you’re
water so this little white stuff you’re seeing and the snow there that’s like
seeing and the snow there that’s like
seeing and the snow there that’s like bird poop that’s like a thousand years
bird poop that’s like a thousand years
bird poop that’s like a thousand years old man because there’s birds that are
old man because there’s birds that are
old man because there’s birds that are down there but nothing decomposes right
down there but nothing decomposes right
down there but nothing decomposes right so you dig down like three feet and is
so you dig down like three feet and is
so you dig down like three feet and is everything was full of white stuff then
everything was full of white stuff then
everything was full of white stuff then we realize that pretty quick and it’s
we realize that pretty quick and it’s
we realize that pretty quick and it’s crazy on expeditions how you just stop
crazy on expeditions how you just stop
crazy on expeditions how you just stop caring about certain things the
caring about certain things the
caring about certain things the cleanliness of your bowl you know
cleanliness of your bowl you know
cleanliness of your bowl you know everything this becomes like one like
everything this becomes like one like
everything this becomes like one like amalgam of spice where there’s like
amalgam of spice where there’s like
amalgam of spice where there’s like coffee and my curry just like eating
coffee and my curry just like eating
coffee and my curry just like eating you’re like mmm I guess he just stopped
you’re like mmm I guess he just stopped
you’re like mmm I guess he just stopped caring in the bird poop was just all
caring in the bird poop was just all
caring in the bird poop was just all part of the amalgam right and so anyway
part of the amalgam right and so anyway
part of the amalgam right and so anyway the objective was we had the real
the objective was we had the real
the objective was we had the real objective was to climb is 2200 foot you
objective was to climb is 2200 foot you
objective was to climb is 2200 foot you know spire beautiful piece of rock the
know spire beautiful piece of rock the
know spire beautiful piece of rock the little guy on the corner down there
little guy on the corner down there
little guy on the corner down there that’s Cory we just now start moving in
that’s Cory we just now start moving in
that’s Cory we just now start moving in our equipment to get to the base of the
our equipment to get to the base of the
our equipment to get to the base of the climb and then start it and so over the
climb and then start it and so over the
climb and then start it and so over the next like 40 days Mike and Freddie just
next like 40 days Mike and Freddie just
next like 40 days Mike and Freddie just threw themselves at this tower inching
threw themselves at this tower inching
threw themselves at this tower inching their way up and every now and then
their way up and every now and then
their way up and every now and then you’d get a storm that would blow in and
you’d get a storm that would blow in and
you’d get a storm that would blow in and it would last for one to five days and
it would last for one to five days and
it would last for one to five days and you just kind of bunker down and hang
you just kind of bunker down and hang
you just kind of bunker down and hang out and then these guys would get right
out and then these guys would get right
out and then these guys would get right back on the wall and circle and up again
back on the wall and circle and up again
back on the wall and circle and up again and slowly they inch their way closer
and slowly they inch their way closer
and slowly they inch their way closer and closer to the top until we’re
and closer to the top until we’re
and closer to the top until we’re completely victorious and it was an
completely victorious and it was an
completely victorious and it was an incredible adventure and I’ll show you
incredible adventure and I’ll show you
incredible adventure and I’ll show you the three minute short film you can also
the three minute short film you can also
the three minute short film you can also watch it online but this is a stream in
watch it online but this is a stream in
watch it online but this is a stream in a film that was made from it as well as
a film that was made from it as well as
a film that was made from it as well as the television show
this is one of the most challenging
this is one of the most challenging environments for a climber you can visit
environments for a climber you can visit
environments for a climber you can visit anywhere on planet Earth big part of the
anywhere on planet Earth big part of the
anywhere on planet Earth big part of the game is approaching these unclimbed
game is approaching these unclimbed
game is approaching these unclimbed unexplored mountains and and looking for
unexplored mountains and and looking for
unexplored mountains and and looking for the coolest way to get to the top that
the coolest way to get to the top that
the coolest way to get to the top that for us as climbers is the path we spent
for us as climbers is the path we spent
for us as climbers is the path we spent a week ski touring around looking you
a week ski touring around looking you
a week ski touring around looking you know with binoculars at every mountain
know with binoculars at every mountain
know with binoculars at every mountain within striking distance of us and this
within striking distance of us and this
within striking distance of us and this is without a doubt the proudest line we
is without a doubt the proudest line we
is without a doubt the proudest line we found the environment is so hostile you
found the environment is so hostile you
found the environment is so hostile you die up here in a matter of hours without
die up here in a matter of hours without
die up here in a matter of hours without the right gear and the right expertise
the right gear and the right expertise
the right gear and the right expertise like the SWAT team special weapons and
like the SWAT team special weapons and
like the SWAT team special weapons and tactics this is an aid climbing or free
tactics this is an aid climbing or free
tactics this is an aid climbing or free climbing or speed climbing this is just
climbing or speed climbing this is just
climbing or speed climbing this is just like whatever it takes
like whatever it takes
like whatever it takes it’ll be spicy for sure every day we
it’ll be spicy for sure every day we
it’ll be spicy for sure every day we wake up and
wake up and
wake up and we don’t know what we’re going to be
we don’t know what we’re going to be
we don’t know what we’re going to be able to do safely you definitely have to
able to do safely you definitely have to
able to do safely you definitely have to work for everything in Antarctica
work for everything in Antarctica
work for everything in Antarctica nothing is a given you have to earn it
nothing is a given you have to earn it
nothing is a given you have to earn it unpredictability it’s about you know the
unpredictability it’s about you know the
unpredictability it’s about you know the unknown
hundreds of mountains that are unclimbed
hundreds of mountains that are unclimbed it’s like being an astronaut going up
it’s like being an astronaut going up
it’s like being an astronaut going up there going into outer space you need to
there going into outer space you need to
there going into outer space you need to have a survival suit on need to be
have a survival suit on need to be
have a survival suit on need to be prepared for everything as a
prepared for everything as a
prepared for everything as a counterbalance to that extreme
counterbalance to that extreme
counterbalance to that extreme consequence and severity is just these
consequence and severity is just these
consequence and severity is just these moments of surreal otherworldly beauty
moments of surreal otherworldly beauty
moments of surreal otherworldly beauty [Music]
thank you I’m glad you enjoyed it you
thank you I’m glad you enjoyed it you know it was it’s pretty incredible
know it was it’s pretty incredible
know it was it’s pretty incredible looking back at that magazine the
looking back at that magazine the
looking back at that magazine the National Geographic story storming the
National Geographic story storming the
National Geographic story storming the tower all those years ago you know and
tower all those years ago you know and
tower all those years ago you know and then flashing forward to 2012 and really
then flashing forward to 2012 and really
then flashing forward to 2012 and really going and doing my own version of
going and doing my own version of
going and doing my own version of storming the tower having an adventure
storming the tower having an adventure
storming the tower having an adventure for people going out you know for close
for people going out you know for close
for people going out you know for close friends and and and in two months having
friends and and and in two months having
friends and and and in two months having our own sort of trials and tribulations
our own sort of trials and tribulations
our own sort of trials and tribulations and Bill Hatcher is the photographer
and Bill Hatcher is the photographer
and Bill Hatcher is the photographer that shot the story and I’ve since
that shot the story and I’ve since
that shot the story and I’ve since become friends with Bill and it’s it’s
become friends with Bill and it’s it’s
become friends with Bill and it’s it’s so fun exchanging stories and and
so fun exchanging stories and and
so fun exchanging stories and and catching up and talking about the
catching up and talking about the
catching up and talking about the different adventures and things we’ve
different adventures and things we’ve
different adventures and things we’ve been on and it’s really National
been on and it’s really National
been on and it’s really National Geographic that inspired me down this
Geographic that inspired me down this
Geographic that inspired me down this entire road to this like very platform
entire road to this like very platform
entire road to this like very platform I’m standing on today and that’s so rare
I’m standing on today and that’s so rare
I’m standing on today and that’s so rare I I didn’t even realize it until earlier
I I didn’t even realize it until earlier
I I didn’t even realize it until earlier in the week when I pulled this photo to
in the week when I pulled this photo to
in the week when I pulled this photo to talk about it as I was putting it into
talk about it as I was putting it into
talk about it as I was putting it into the presentation this sort of full
the presentation this sort of full
the presentation this sort of full circle situation that I’d kind of found
circle situation that I’d kind of found
circle situation that I’d kind of found myself and it was it’s just it’s really
myself and it was it’s just it’s really
myself and it was it’s just it’s really it’s really quite cool so this is us at
it’s really quite cool so this is us at
it’s really quite cool so this is us at the end successful all like barely worse
the end successful all like barely worse
the end successful all like barely worse for wear after such a fun adventure oh I
for wear after such a fun adventure oh I
for wear after such a fun adventure oh I try to put in my villa Becky bonus
try to put in my villa Becky bonus
try to put in my villa Becky bonus material okay so the very odd about
material okay so the very odd about
material okay so the very odd about those okay so two years ago Mike calls
those okay so two years ago Mike calls
those okay so two years ago Mike calls me up then he says he’s got another
me up then he says he’s got another
me up then he says he’s got another tower project in mind for
tower project in mind for
tower project in mind for but this time it’s very different it’s
but this time it’s very different it’s
but this time it’s very different it’s in the it’s in the small country called
in the it’s in the small country called
in the it’s in the small country called a POW it’s down in like the South
a POW it’s down in like the South
a POW it’s down in like the South Pacific right I’d never heard of it
Pacific right I’d never heard of it
Pacific right I’d never heard of it before and he sent me some photos and
before and he sent me some photos and
before and he sent me some photos and I’m like wow this is crazy and so I’m
I’m like wow this is crazy and so I’m
I’m like wow this is crazy and so I’m like oh man he calls me and my friend
like oh man he calls me and my friend
like oh man he calls me and my friend Andy man and our friend Angie pain and
Andy man and our friend Angie pain and
Andy man and our friend Angie pain and she’s like this is the team of four and
she’s like this is the team of four and
she’s like this is the team of four and we’re all in right and it was this
we’re all in right and it was this
we’re all in right and it was this beautiful tower right here this is it
beautiful tower right here this is it
beautiful tower right here this is it towers called put maka and Mike said
towers called put maka and Mike said
towers called put maka and Mike said something I’ve never heard him say
something I’ve never heard him say
something I’ve never heard him say before when we were on the phone talking
before when we were on the phone talking
before when we were on the phone talking about planning and logistics you know
about planning and logistics you know
about planning and logistics you know we’re all excited and he said there’ll
we’re all excited and he said there’ll
we’re all excited and he said there’ll be moments on the trip where you wish
be moments on the trip where you wish
be moments on the trip where you wish you didn’t come guys like a Texas I’ve
you didn’t come guys like a Texas I’ve
you didn’t come guys like a Texas I’ve never never heard him say something like
never never heard him say something like
never never heard him say something like that of like what do you mean you know
that of like what do you mean you know
that of like what do you mean you know anyway I quickly learned what he meant
anyway I quickly learned what he meant
anyway I quickly learned what he meant you know this is like day ten where in
you know this is like day ten where in
you know this is like day ten where in Antarctica you know it’s cold but you
Antarctica you know it’s cold but you
Antarctica you know it’s cold but you can put clothing on you can sort of like
can put clothing on you can sort of like
can put clothing on you can sort of like figure out a way to kind of deal with
figure out a way to kind of deal with
figure out a way to kind of deal with the cold and then slit your self down
the cold and then slit your self down
the cold and then slit your self down here it’s just mud and heat and wet you
here it’s just mud and heat and wet you
here it’s just mud and heat and wet you know and and even if you’re wet and high
know and and even if you’re wet and high
know and and even if you’re wet and high you still it’s so what you have to like
you still it’s so what you have to like
you still it’s so what you have to like protect yourself from like bugs and
protect yourself from like bugs and
protect yourself from like bugs and bushes and everything else and you just
bushes and everything else and you just
bushes and everything else and you just it was a completely different suffer
it was a completely different suffer
it was a completely different suffer fest something like I’ve never had this
fest something like I’ve never had this
fest something like I’ve never had this level of supper fest in my life but it
level of supper fest in my life but it
level of supper fest in my life but it was still so much fun so I’m going to
was still so much fun so I’m going to
was still so much fun so I’m going to show you the film this is actually going
show you the film this is actually going
show you the film this is actually going to be screening at hope I get the name
to be screening at hope I get the name
to be screening at hope I get the name right it’s the International
right it’s the International
right it’s the International conservation Film Festival I think
conservation Film Festival I think
conservation Film Festival I think that’s right and in the next couple
that’s right and in the next couple
that’s right and in the next couple weeks if you want to see the film it’ll
weeks if you want to see the film it’ll
weeks if you want to see the film it’ll be here in DC very soon real on May
be here in DC very soon real on May
be here in DC very soon real on May apparently it’s mayhem a ship here but
apparently it’s mayhem a ship here but
apparently it’s mayhem a ship here but once like here we’ll figure it out or
got going my sweet danke seen waves turn
got going my sweet danke seen waves turn way you never do what to say
way you never do what to say
way you never do what to say [Music]
jungle mayhem ahead mystery completely
jungle mayhem ahead mystery completely you know what mr. Ibrahim this is the
you know what mr. Ibrahim this is the
you know what mr. Ibrahim this is the kind of moment of life where it’s a good
kind of moment of life where it’s a good
kind of moment of life where it’s a good this is what was holding me
this is what was holding me
this is what was holding me [Music]
maybe the most miserable things fun
maybe the most miserable things fun anger
[Music]
[Music] boom ah thank you so yes if you want to
boom ah thank you so yes if you want to
boom ah thank you so yes if you want to see that that’ll be here in two weeks at
see that that’ll be here in two weeks at
see that that’ll be here in two weeks at that Film Festival I wanted to end
that Film Festival I wanted to end
that Film Festival I wanted to end talking about two projects I recently
talking about two projects I recently
talking about two projects I recently worked on and they’re both climate
worked on and they’re both climate
worked on and they’re both climate change based in 2015 I get a phone call
change based in 2015 I get a phone call
change based in 2015 I get a phone call from National Geographic magazine asking
from National Geographic magazine asking
from National Geographic magazine asking me if I would be interested in working
me if I would be interested in working
me if I would be interested in working on a climate change story on America’s
on a climate change story on America’s
on a climate change story on America’s national parks and I the outdoors is my
national parks and I the outdoors is my
national parks and I the outdoors is my life it means so much to me that the
life it means so much to me that the
life it means so much to me that the beautiful place is in our national park
beautiful place is in our national park
beautiful place is in our national park system here we’re so lucky we have this
system here we’re so lucky we have this
system here we’re so lucky we have this incredible parks and so I course I said
incredible parks and so I course I said
incredible parks and so I course I said yes and I started you know National
yes and I started you know National
yes and I started you know National Geographic they set you up for success
Geographic they set you up for success
Geographic they set you up for success right there was scientists and
right there was scientists and
right there was scientists and biologists and different contacts like
biologists and different contacts like
biologists and different contacts like people I could talk to so you could kind
people I could talk to so you could kind
people I could talk to so you could kind of figure out like what the story is and
of figure out like what the story is and
of figure out like what the story is and you start learning things in this way
you start learning things in this way
you start learning things in this way it’s remarkable and so I’m going to just
it’s remarkable and so I’m going to just
it’s remarkable and so I’m going to just run you through the different photos
run you through the different photos
run you through the different photos right so this is in Glacier National
right so this is in Glacier National
right so this is in Glacier National Park this is the Grinnell glacier right
Park this is the Grinnell glacier right
Park this is the Grinnell glacier right you can see the three different parts of
you can see the three different parts of
you can see the three different parts of it and in like twenty years ago this was
it and in like twenty years ago this was
it and in like twenty years ago this was all connected and actually kind of like
all connected and actually kind of like
all connected and actually kind of like covering most of the lake and thirty to
covering most of the lake and thirty to
covering most of the lake and thirty to forty years ago it was actually kind of
forty years ago it was actually kind of
forty years ago it was actually kind of running down the mountain the glaciers
running down the mountain the glaciers
running down the mountain the glaciers in the park are receiving so quickly
in the park are receiving so quickly
in the park are receiving so quickly that they say that by 2030 they’ll be
that they say that by 2030 they’ll be
that they say that by 2030 they’ll be gone all the glaciers in Glacier
gone all the glaciers in Glacier
gone all the glaciers in Glacier National Park will be gone he then heat
National Park will be gone he then heat
National Park will be gone he then heat indexes keeps going up right it’s
indexes keeps going up right it’s
indexes keeps going up right it’s getting warmer all the time this is in
getting warmer all the time this is in
getting warmer all the time this is in Sequoia National Park these trees are
Sequoia National Park these trees are
Sequoia National Park these trees are the oldest living trees in the world
the oldest living trees in the world
the oldest living trees in the world they’re also the tallest living trees
they’re also the tallest living trees
they’re also the tallest living trees now they get an excess of 300 feet tall
now they get an excess of 300 feet tall
now they get an excess of 300 feet tall and these big trees they drink as much
and these big trees they drink as much
and these big trees they drink as much as 500 gallons of water a day
as 500 gallons of water a day
as 500 gallons of water a day right they require a lot of water and
right they require a lot of water and
right they require a lot of water and they’re completely unique to the Sierra
they’re completely unique to the Sierra
they’re completely unique to the Sierra Mountains right they’re endemic to this
Mountains right they’re endemic to this
Mountains right they’re endemic to this one little spot in California and if
one little spot in California and if
one little spot in California and if you’ve ever seen them you know what I’m
you’ve ever seen them you know what I’m
you’ve ever seen them you know what I’m talking about they are incredible but
talking about they are incredible but
talking about they are incredible but you know with heat index on the rise and
you know with heat index on the rise and
you know with heat index on the rise and drought they’re already starting to see
drought they’re already starting to see
drought they’re already starting to see a lot of signs of stress
a lot of signs of stress
a lot of signs of stress these trees and there’s a lot of
these trees and there’s a lot of
these trees and there’s a lot of question marks as to whether or not
question marks as to whether or not
question marks as to whether or not these they’re national treasures
these they’re national treasures
these they’re national treasures actually but you know what the future of
actually but you know what the future of
actually but you know what the future of these trees is looking like things are
these trees is looking like things are
these trees is looking like things are changing so quickly this is smoke from
changing so quickly this is smoke from
changing so quickly this is smoke from this is in Glacier National Park and
this is in Glacier National Park and
this is in Glacier National Park and this is smoke from fires some as far as
this is smoke from fires some as far as
this is smoke from fires some as far as Washington State like all the smoke that
Washington State like all the smoke that
Washington State like all the smoke that had kind of blown in and fire danger is
had kind of blown in and fire danger is
had kind of blown in and fire danger is going up higher and higher every year
going up higher and higher every year
going up higher and higher every year there’s actually they’re seeing fire in
there’s actually they’re seeing fire in
there’s actually they’re seeing fire in the Arctic places like Far North Alaska
the Arctic places like Far North Alaska
the Arctic places like Far North Alaska it’s crazy you like places that have
it’s crazy you like places that have
it’s crazy you like places that have never experienced virus before and it’s
never experienced virus before and it’s
never experienced virus before and it’s all based on like the drought and heat
all based on like the drought and heat
all based on like the drought and heat factor this is an American alligator
factor this is an American alligator
factor this is an American alligator this is down in the Everglades National
this is down in the Everglades National
this is down in the Everglades National Park I really fell in love with the
Park I really fell in love with the
Park I really fell in love with the Everglades it’s such a special place and
Everglades it’s such a special place and
Everglades it’s such a special place and the Everglades is down in the southern
the Everglades is down in the southern
the Everglades is down in the southern tip of the state and it’s surrounded by
tip of the state and it’s surrounded by
tip of the state and it’s surrounded by water on all three sides and with ocean
water on all three sides and with ocean
water on all three sides and with ocean sea rise the salinity levels of the
sea rise the salinity levels of the
sea rise the salinity levels of the water are slowly changing you know as
water are slowly changing you know as
water are slowly changing you know as the ocean Rises a little more it starts
the ocean Rises a little more it starts
the ocean Rises a little more it starts pushing this is all freshwater in the
pushing this is all freshwater in the
pushing this is all freshwater in the Everglades
Everglades
Everglades and because the parks all the way down
and because the parks all the way down
and because the parks all the way down in the South as the water keeps kind of
in the South as the water keeps kind of
in the South as the water keeps kind of ocean kind of keeps rising the salinity
ocean kind of keeps rising the salinity
ocean kind of keeps rising the salinity levels are changing
levels are changing
levels are changing well American alligators that’s not an
well American alligators that’s not an
well American alligators that’s not an endangered species but the thing with
endangered species but the thing with
endangered species but the thing with this this alligator is it’s real refuge
this this alligator is it’s real refuge
this this alligator is it’s real refuge is kind of down in the Everglades as is
is kind of down in the Everglades as is
is kind of down in the Everglades as is a lot of the animals that are down there
a lot of the animals that are down there
a lot of the animals that are down there especially the freshwater ones they’re
especially the freshwater ones they’re
especially the freshwater ones they’re slowly going to get pushed further north
slowly going to get pushed further north
slowly going to get pushed further north and eventually out of the park and then
and eventually out of the park and then
and eventually out of the park and then it’s mostly just residential it’s a
it’s mostly just residential it’s a
it’s mostly just residential it’s a completely different place Florida once
completely different place Florida once
completely different place Florida once you get out of these wild wetlands and
you get out of these wild wetlands and
you get out of these wild wetlands and so there’s a lot of animals that are
so there’s a lot of animals that are
so there’s a lot of animals that are kind of there’s a lot of question marks
kind of there’s a lot of question marks
kind of there’s a lot of question marks this is in Joshua Tree National Park and
this is in Joshua Tree National Park and
this is in Joshua Tree National Park and they’re saying that by the year 2100
they’re saying that by the year 2100
they’re saying that by the year 2100 there be there may be no new sprouts
there be there may be no new sprouts
there be there may be no new sprouts from Joshua trees I think in 30% of the
from Joshua trees I think in 30% of the
from Joshua trees I think in 30% of the parks there hasn’t been any sprout in
parks there hasn’t been any sprout in
parks there hasn’t been any sprout in like two decades or something it’s
like two decades or something it’s
like two decades or something it’s already kind of happening and these are
already kind of happening and these are
already kind of happening and these are crazy signs and when I got the
crazy signs and when I got the
crazy signs and when I got the assignment I was told like a lot of what
assignment I was told like a lot of what
assignment I was told like a lot of what you’re shooting can look at it like it’s
you’re shooting can look at it like it’s
you’re shooting can look at it like it’s time capsule photography like you’re
time capsule photography like you’re
time capsule photography like you’re shooting things the way they are now but
shooting things the way they are now but
shooting things the way they are now but they’re changing really quickly and it
they’re changing really quickly and it
they’re changing really quickly and it would be wild to think about Joshua Tree
would be wild to think about Joshua Tree
would be wild to think about Joshua Tree National Park without Joshua trees
National Park without Joshua trees
National Park without Joshua trees sequoia national park without sequoia
sequoia national park without sequoia
sequoia national park without sequoia trees or glacier national park without
trees or glacier national park without
trees or glacier national park without glaciers etc and the big question is
glaciers etc and the big question is
glaciers etc and the big question is like what do you do and the I think the
like what do you do and the I think the
like what do you do and the I think the big answer is you know we need good
big answer is you know we need good
big answer is you know we need good legislation people that are making good
legislation people that are making good
legislation people that are making good decisions that can make the big changes
decisions that can make the big changes
decisions that can make the big changes and then for us it’s basically making
and then for us it’s basically making
and then for us it’s basically making small choices like using less water when
small choices like using less water when
small choices like using less water when you can and carpooling with other people
you can and carpooling with other people
you can and carpooling with other people when you can smaller decisions with
when you can smaller decisions with
when you can smaller decisions with there’s 7 billion people on the planet
there’s 7 billion people on the planet
there’s 7 billion people on the planet and it’s it’s a really hard situation
and it’s it’s a really hard situation
and it’s it’s a really hard situation but we kind of have to work collectively
but we kind of have to work collectively
but we kind of have to work collectively together to hopefully make things you
together to hopefully make things you
together to hopefully make things you know salvage things as we can the most
know salvage things as we can the most
know salvage things as we can the most recent trip I did was down to Antarctica
recent trip I did was down to Antarctica
recent trip I did was down to Antarctica they kind of talked briefly about the
they kind of talked briefly about the
they kind of talked briefly about the beginning I went down with Paul Nicklin
beginning I went down with Paul Nicklin
beginning I went down with Paul Nicklin and Cristina Madame IRA these are two of
and Cristina Madame IRA these are two of
and Cristina Madame IRA these are two of my heroes I mean Paul’s like a
my heroes I mean Paul’s like a
my heroes I mean Paul’s like a photography legend he’s I’ve loved his
photography legend he’s I’ve loved his
photography legend he’s I’ve loved his work for so many years Cristina is she’s
work for so many years Cristina is she’s
work for so many years Cristina is she’s just got a heart of gold and she’s gone
just got a heart of gold and she’s gone
just got a heart of gold and she’s gone conservationist as is Paul and so Paul
conservationist as is Paul and so Paul
conservationist as is Paul and so Paul led an expedition down there of a team
led an expedition down there of a team
led an expedition down there of a team of amazing videographers VR and then
of amazing videographers VR and then
of amazing videographers VR and then Cristina Paul and I worked in the photo
Cristina Paul and I worked in the photo
Cristina Paul and I worked in the photo side for the magazine and what I saw it
side for the magazine and what I saw it
side for the magazine and what I saw it on their both was completely
on their both was completely
on their both was completely breathtaking and also quite revealing
breathtaking and also quite revealing
breathtaking and also quite revealing so I’m going to walk you through kind of
so I’m going to walk you through kind of
so I’m going to walk you through kind of the characters of Antarctica of what we
the characters of Antarctica of what we
the characters of Antarctica of what we saw so we mostly concentrated on the
saw so we mostly concentrated on the
saw so we mostly concentrated on the northern or sorry the southern part of
northern or sorry the southern part of
northern or sorry the southern part of the peninsula right sorry the northern
the peninsula right sorry the northern
the peninsula right sorry the northern part of the peninsula forgive me and we
part of the peninsula forgive me and we
part of the peninsula forgive me and we went to all these different places and
went to all these different places and
went to all these different places and we experienced we get to see like the
we experienced we get to see like the
we experienced we get to see like the beauty of the place we got to see a lot
beauty of the place we got to see a lot
beauty of the place we got to see a lot of the wildlife there’s lots of wildlife
of the wildlife there’s lots of wildlife
of the wildlife there’s lots of wildlife down there this is a classic example of
down there this is a classic example of
down there this is a classic example of how pretty it is down there what you’re
how pretty it is down there what you’re
how pretty it is down there what you’re seeing here is like polished rocks where
seeing here is like polished rocks where
seeing here is like polished rocks where ice used to be and it’s kind of like
ice used to be and it’s kind of like
ice used to be and it’s kind of like moved off now but it was beautiful big
moved off now but it was beautiful big
moved off now but it was beautiful big glaciers floating by got lucky got some
glaciers floating by got lucky got some
glaciers floating by got lucky got some really nice light there’s big mountains
really nice light there’s big mountains
really nice light there’s big mountains everywhere you go you’re constantly
everywhere you go you’re constantly
everywhere you go you’re constantly going through fjords and seeing these
going through fjords and seeing these
going through fjords and seeing these beautiful mountain ranges that like
beautiful mountain ranges that like
beautiful mountain ranges that like looks like the Tetons put your down and
looks like the Tetons put your down and
looks like the Tetons put your down and you know in Antarctica you can see where
you know in Antarctica you can see where
you know in Antarctica you can see where the glaciers have kind of receded I mean
the glaciers have kind of receded I mean
the glaciers have kind of receded I mean they’re losing ice very quickly down
they’re losing ice very quickly down
they’re losing ice very quickly down there the animals you see down there you
there the animals you see down there you
there the animals you see down there you see of course penguins is five different
see of course penguins is five different
see of course penguins is five different types of penguins that live down there
types of penguins that live down there
types of penguins that live down there and I think that I read there’s about 11
and I think that I read there’s about 11
and I think that I read there’s about 11 million collectively that lived down
million collectively that lived down
million collectively that lived down there okay you have all these great
there okay you have all these great
there okay you have all these great seals this is a Weddell seal this is a
seals this is a Weddell seal this is a
seals this is a Weddell seal this is a fur seal
fur seal
fur seal and this is the like legendary like the
and this is the like legendary like the
and this is the like legendary like the leopard seal right this is what Paul a
leopard seal right this is what Paul a
leopard seal right this is what Paul a few familiar with Paul Nichol and in
few familiar with Paul Nichol and in
few familiar with Paul Nichol and in 2006 he did a leopard seal story that
2006 he did a leopard seal story that
2006 he did a leopard seal story that was unbelievably iconic and I was such
was unbelievably iconic and I was such
was unbelievably iconic and I was such an honor to get in the water with Paul
an honor to get in the water with Paul
an honor to get in the water with Paul and have leopard seal interactions this
and have leopard seal interactions this
and have leopard seal interactions this little like mouthing move right here
little like mouthing move right here
little like mouthing move right here this is it looks like a threat display
this is it looks like a threat display
this is it looks like a threat display but this is just to communicate with
but this is just to communicate with
but this is just to communicate with like air bubbles and by opening their
like air bubbles and by opening their
like air bubbles and by opening their mouths and seeing how you react and
mouths and seeing how you react and
mouths and seeing how you react and they’re also looking at the reflection
they’re also looking at the reflection
they’re also looking at the reflection in your your dome of your camera so
in your your dome of your camera so
in your your dome of your camera so there I think to them even it’s sort of
there I think to them even it’s sort of
there I think to them even it’s sort of this like new and weird kind of cool
this like new and weird kind of cool
this like new and weird kind of cool thing but they were they were so
thing but they were they were so
thing but they were they were so incredible to be in the water with and
incredible to be in the water with and
incredible to be in the water with and then as you know you have the big
then as you know you have the big
then as you know you have the big animals right you have the big whales
animals right you have the big whales
animals right you have the big whales there’s humpback whales and pilot whales
there’s humpback whales and pilot whales
there’s humpback whales and pilot whales and Miki whales and all the rest okay so
and Miki whales and all the rest okay so
and Miki whales and all the rest okay so that all these animals are connected to
that all these animals are connected to
that all these animals are connected to one thing they’re connected to krill
one thing they’re connected to krill
one thing they’re connected to krill krill is like a little shrimp right and
krill is like a little shrimp right and
krill is like a little shrimp right and all these animals their main source of
all these animals their main source of
all these animals their main source of foods krill and the thing is is krill
foods krill and the thing is is krill
foods krill and the thing is is krill krill eats bacteria and algae that grows
krill eats bacteria and algae that grows
krill eats bacteria and algae that grows on sea ice
on sea ice
on sea ice well sea ice is kind of receding we’re
well sea ice is kind of receding we’re
well sea ice is kind of receding we’re seeing it go away quite quickly and so
seeing it go away quite quickly and so
seeing it go away quite quickly and so that’s the krill food source and the
that’s the krill food source and the
that’s the krill food source and the foods krill feeds everything well
foods krill feeds everything well
foods krill feeds everything well fishing is kind of the big question mark
fishing is kind of the big question mark
fishing is kind of the big question mark right now because there’s fishing
right now because there’s fishing
right now because there’s fishing companies from all over the world and
companies from all over the world and
companies from all over the world and they’re going in and they’re sucking out
they’re going in and they’re sucking out
they’re going in and they’re sucking out hundreds of thousands of tons of krill
hundreds of thousands of tons of krill
hundreds of thousands of tons of krill every season and scientists are trying
every season and scientists are trying
every season and scientists are trying to wrap their heads around like what is
to wrap their heads around like what is
to wrap their heads around like what is the appropriate amount of krill that can
the appropriate amount of krill that can
the appropriate amount of krill that can be taken out of the water and there you
be taken out of the water and there you
be taken out of the water and there you know krill is used for like omega-3
know krill is used for like omega-3
know krill is used for like omega-3 supplements and some people eat it and
supplements and some people eat it and
supplements and some people eat it and krill oil and different things like that
krill oil and different things like that
krill oil and different things like that but we need to be responsible work we
but we need to be responsible work we
but we need to be responsible work we need to kind of wrap our heads around
need to kind of wrap our heads around
need to kind of wrap our heads around what is the appropriate amount of food
what is the appropriate amount of food
what is the appropriate amount of food to take out because we’re going to just
to take out because we’re going to just
to take out because we’re going to just wipe out all these animals that are
wipe out all these animals that are
wipe out all these animals that are completely codependent on this thing so
completely codependent on this thing so
completely codependent on this thing so the story is based about fishing as much
the story is based about fishing as much
the story is based about fishing as much as it is climate change you can see the
as it is climate change you can see the
as it is climate change you can see the ice kind of receding here and again
ice kind of receding here and again
ice kind of receding here and again krill need ice so all these honor other
krill need ice so all these honor other
krill need ice so all these honor other animals need ice as well as do we but
animals need ice as well as do we but
animals need ice as well as do we but you know we need to figure this out
you know we need to figure this out
you know we need to figure this out a hundred years ago these are blue whale
a hundred years ago these are blue whale
a hundred years ago these are blue whale bones right here you see them everywhere
bones right here you see them everywhere
bones right here you see them everywhere they were really cool to see but they
they were really cool to see but they
they were really cool to see but they weren’t blue whales are just like we’re
weren’t blue whales are just like we’re
weren’t blue whales are just like we’re beach
beach
beach you know and that kind of came up and
you know and that kind of came up and
you know and that kind of came up and naturally died they were from fishing
naturally died they were from fishing
naturally died they were from fishing about a hundred years ago the blue
about a hundred years ago the blue
about a hundred years ago the blue whales the biggest animal that’s ever
whales the biggest animal that’s ever
whales the biggest animal that’s ever been on the planet Earth and it was
been on the planet Earth and it was
been on the planet Earth and it was hunted to near-extinction about a
hunted to near-extinction about a
hunted to near-extinction about a hundred years ago and we need to learn
hundred years ago and we need to learn
hundred years ago and we need to learn you know from our mistakes in the past
you know from our mistakes in the past
you know from our mistakes in the past one of the scientists on the boat said
one of the scientists on the boat said
one of the scientists on the boat said that man has messed up every fishery in
that man has messed up every fishery in
that man has messed up every fishery in the world in Antarctica is like our last
the world in Antarctica is like our last
the world in Antarctica is like our last chance to do it correctly so we’re
chance to do it correctly so we’re
chance to do it correctly so we’re hoping for good legislation and good
hoping for good legislation and good
hoping for good legislation and good decisions to kind of save this part of
decisions to kind of save this part of
decisions to kind of save this part of the planet and I know that’s an
the planet and I know that’s an
the planet and I know that’s an interesting tone to end on after all
interesting tone to end on after all
interesting tone to end on after all this adventure stuff I was talking about
this adventure stuff I was talking about
this adventure stuff I was talking about but the this stuff is so important to me
but the this stuff is so important to me
but the this stuff is so important to me and I’m hoping that we can you know do
and I’m hoping that we can you know do
and I’m hoping that we can you know do something that’s impactful with the
something that’s impactful with the
something that’s impactful with the story that people can see this and
story that people can see this and
story that people can see this and actually you know keep good eyes on
actually you know keep good eyes on
actually you know keep good eyes on people that are making the decisions
people that are making the decisions
people that are making the decisions that can keep these places in checks and
that can keep these places in checks and
that can keep these places in checks and balances and that’s everything I have
balances and that’s everything I have
balances and that’s everything I have today thank you so much for listening
today thank you so much for listening
today thank you so much for listening [Applause]
”
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