Nova (PBS)

[pierre girard]

Very good two hour show about arctic exploration on the public education channel (US) last night. First segment was about the Franklin expedition and their attempt to sail the Northwest Passage in 1845. The second segment was about Amundson's successful traverse of the same waters about 60 years later.

Amundson, who, according to the show, grew up viewing Franklin as a hero figure, benefitted from much better charts - which grew out of rescue expeditions hoping to find Franklin. Amundson also had a much more minimalist approach, according to the show, looking to live with the arctic conditions, rather than overcoming them. Franklin was looking to bring his world with him. Amundson was looking to become part of the arctic as he found it.

Some interesting concepts. Very good show.

PG

 

[directdrive]

Great programs. Amazing to me that the crew from the Franklin expedition lasted as long as they did! Had it not been for the lead poisoning they contracted from the canned goods, things might very well have turned out differently.....Still, they were all "Men of Steel". I certainly think most people would never have lasted a tenth as long.

Best

Bruce