Baltimore, MD Bridge Collision

 

At approximately 1:30 ET (5:30 GMT), the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, MD was struck by the Singapore-flagged container ship Dali. The bridge collapsed into the Patapsco River below and triggered a mass casualty event. Rescue crews are on scene.

The bridge is named after Francis Scott Key, the author of the American national anthem, “Star-Spangled Banner.” It is believed that the bridge was within 100 yards of where Key wrote the song.

If you saw something or were in the area, feel free to contact me here or on Instagram.

Updates can be found at nearly every major news outlet in the Western world. These are two good ones:

 https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-us-canada-68663071

 https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/baltimore-bridge-collapse-03-26-24-intl-hnk/index.html

I will be following up on this as things develop. My prayers are with all affected and with the responders involved in the rescue.

THE B.I.G. ARCTIC RESEARCH EXPEDITION

 

 

 

One thing that people are sometimes surprised to learn about me is that I want to take part in an Arctic expedition someday. In my collegiate studies, I have written about the region and how it is changing. I would really like to see the Arctic in its icy glory before it's gone.

 

B.I.G. Expeditions, as the photo above (and my hint) would suggest, stands for "Before It's Gone." As in the polar ice. As in what makes the region unique. As in one more thing that is quickly becoming a casualty of the changing climate. The B.I.G team has embarked on a series of expeditions to the Arctic and will be setting out on a trip to the Canadian Arctic next month.

 

The aims of this mission are clear:  "The B.I.G. Expeditions are not about ‘conquering’ this landscape or setting records. It’s aim is to make a series of ski journeys across different terrains within the Arctic region collecting as much information as possible in order to further our understanding of this most precious of environments - Before It’s Gone."

The all-female crew is a badass who's who in the expeditionary world. Some of the names listed you will undoubtedly recognize: Sadie Whitelocks, Julie Moniere, Edel Kieran, Dr. Laura Thomas, Andrea Fawell, Annabel Jackson Prow, Emma Ranger, Dr. Ulyana Horodjskyj Pena and Sophia Scott. Also last but certainly not least, the legendary Felicity Aston, MBE. See? A Badass who's who. 

More information, including how to track the expeditions can be found below:

https://www.bignorthpole.com/

 

2024 Newport Bermuda Race

 

 Here on the East Coast, Spring has arrived....sort of. I am looking forward to signing up to crew a boat for a race or two this year. If you are a longtime sailor or are just getting into it like I am, then you should definitely watch out for the 53rd running of the Newport Bermuda Race.

Held every two years in June, this 636 nautical mile offshore race takes competitors from Newport, Rhode Island to the famed lighthouse and Royal Bermuda Yacht Club in Hamilton, Bermuda. 

If there’s a boat out there that needs some extra crew members for the race, hit me up. My skills? Minimal. But I’ll provide good ballast on the rails. Of my small skill set, I’m most proud of my culinary talents. My signature dish? Cold cereal. Don’t all jump at once to contact me.

Information about the race can be found at the link below:

https://bermudarace.com/