tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16659850.post2333475526936626653..comments2024-03-17T03:42:21.277-05:00Comments on LEARNING CURVE ON THE ECLIPTIC: Arty Farty Friday ~ Alfred Agate and The US Ex ExTwilighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14138621610593773784noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16659850.post-87008745947095188152013-02-15T21:00:37.649-06:002013-02-15T21:00:37.649-06:00TWILIGHT##
It's surprising that Agate survive...TWILIGHT##<br /><br />It's surprising that Agate survived the 4 years, as his health was fragile to begin with.<br />I'm always amazed at the resilience and stength of the people if the 19th century, explorers, pioneers, early settlers - we are a bunch of weaklings in comparison.<br /><br />We're staying in McKinney just for a couple of nights, for a change of scene (it's about 30 mls from Dallas). <br />Weather Thursday was super almost 70*, but today it struggled to get over 50* and a biting wicked wind.<br />Still, some nice, different independent stores antique shops and eating places to investigate.<br />Including a British Pub (with food!)<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16659850.post-64007781112250886452013-02-15T10:39:12.616-06:002013-02-15T10:39:12.616-06:00I became familiar with this expedition several yea...I became familiar with this expedition several years ago, more from biographical information regarding Charles Wilkes. Wilkes was considered capricious, arrogant, and abusive during this exploration...he was court-martialled. That didn't impede his military career and he attained greater credits in the ensuing years.<br /><br />As for Agate, he deserves much credit for being an explorer, too, and not just an artist. The harsh conditions of that voyage must have been astounding...stress alone would have done me harm.<br /><br />Last week's NOVA briefly addressed the severe harshness of Antarctica...coldest place on Earth with a fairly constant wind velocity nearing 200 MPH at times, regardless of season. I can't imagine how these small boats navigated the sea swells and wind.<br /><br />I'm not inclined to read biographies of the famous from history, but when I do, I'm always made incredulous with their tenacity, fortitude, and endurance. We have our contemporary explorers that can risk their lives, but they have the advantages of our modern technology to minimize the odds.<br /><br />Speaking of exploring, how's northern Texas? I've not driven through the area...only observed from a mile-high view flying over. Any discoveries?mikenoreply@blogger.com