INSIGHT: Is This Map Taken?

Uncovering Geographies
The catalogue was buried. I almost threw it away. There were errands to be done. On the most casual of whims, I flipped through it. I have gazed toward the southern pole from the shores of Ushuaia and Punta Arenas, but have not yet traversed that sea to see those icy shores, pictured so dramatically in the heavy-papered book. Dramatic places boldly contrast with our creature comfort-infused, temperature-controlled environs. For a moment they are one, joined in my imagination. Sustainability projects, shifting systems, provide their own adventure. Navigating the challenges requires resourcefulness, fortitude and a compelling sense of motivation. The glossy images inspire me, but not in an obvious, save-the-planet way. There is an insatiable curiosity to know, or rather, to satisfy the profound sense of not knowing that has haunted me since I can remember. Geographers, we are charting new, future latitudes and longitudes. I seek a deeper sense of understanding of the fractaled collision between ourselves and the planet, boldly contrasting landscapes both within and without. I will take pictures. I will send postcards. I will make maps for those who, like me, cannot leave well enough alone.