It's 1.40AM and I've just come in from my first walk at Explorers Cove. I'm in my sleeping bag, yes, wondering what on earth I could possibly say to adequately describe how it feels to be back in this extraordinary place?
Nature speaks to us all - we have to make the space to listen, though, and in the noise of grabbing what we can from it, we cannot find that stillness or quietness. I found out today that Bowhead whales (right whales) live to 211 years old. Their sounds are being crowded out by the noise of shipping traffic and seismic testing and they can no longer hear each other to congregate or mate or share histories. Imagine being so old that stone age tools were the first human assault you experienced. And then you died at the hands of radar and sonar and explosive harpoons. We should listen more.
The ice is definitely speaking to me. Claire,you are providing us with totally amazing images. I continue to listen with my eyes and continue to listen to the ice. I am at present attempting to record water freezing in my kitchen, it is working. I am totally envious of you being in the biggest ice laboratory on earth giving us direct feedback to the listening process. I totally agree with you both listen and see more.
Hi Peter - so good to hear from you! Your patience is inspiring; I love the idea of you listening to water freezing. I am collecting a really interesting repertoire of sounds down here. The other night, whilst still in McMurdo, I heard this amazing note coming from across the way (I was in the Crary lab at the time) so went outside to find it and record it. One of the buildings was singing! I waited a while, the wind came up and before I knew it, the telephone and electricity wires had joined - what a symphony! I couldn't believe the range of harmonics. It was exquisite. I'll have to go back and record more en-route home as there was a fair bit of wind interference. I'm still a novice with my recorder! Thanks for staying in touch - C
Nature speaks to us all - we have to make the space to listen, though, and in the noise of grabbing what we can from it, we cannot find that stillness or quietness. I found out today that Bowhead whales (right whales) live to 211 years old. Their sounds are being crowded out by the noise of shipping traffic and seismic testing and they can no longer hear each other to congregate or mate or share histories. Imagine being so old that stone age tools were the first human assault you experienced. And then you died at the hands of radar and sonar and explosive harpoons. We should listen more.
ReplyDeleteYou're so right, Pips. It's ALL about listening - listening to, and listening for/on behalf of... Love you X
ReplyDeleteThe ice is definitely speaking to me. Claire,you are providing us with totally amazing images. I continue to listen with my eyes and continue to listen to the ice. I am at present attempting to record water freezing in my kitchen, it is working. I am totally envious of you being in the biggest ice laboratory on earth giving us direct feedback to the listening process. I totally agree with you both listen and see more.
ReplyDeleteHi Peter - so good to hear from you! Your patience is inspiring; I love the idea of you listening to water freezing. I am collecting a really interesting repertoire of sounds down here. The other night, whilst still in McMurdo, I heard this amazing note coming from across the way (I was in the Crary lab at the time) so went outside to find it and record it. One of the buildings was singing! I waited a while, the wind came up and before I knew it, the telephone and electricity wires had joined - what a symphony! I couldn't believe the range of harmonics. It was exquisite. I'll have to go back and record more en-route home as there was a fair bit of wind interference. I'm still a novice with my recorder! Thanks for staying in touch - C
ReplyDelete