Log of the Harriman Expedition: Mead Treadwell

Posted At : August 21, 2008 1:00 AM
Related Categories: Alaska

Excerpted from the log of the Harriman Expedition.

Contributed and read by Mead Treadwell: "I love to show off our state. When I do, besides warning folks about bears and cow parsnips and devil's club, there's another warning I give from an old book in our library. And, by the way, I did not follow this myself." During his 30 years in Alaska, Mead Treadwell has played an active role in Arctic research and exploration, currently serving as chair of the US Arctic Research Commission. He is also Senior Fellow of the Institute of the North and Chairman and CEO of Venture Ad Astra, which invests in and develops new geospatial and imaging technologies.

In 1899, the Harriman Expedition sailed to Alaska with a party of scientists, explorers, and writers on board. Henry Gannett, President of the National Geographic Society, was overwhelmed by the enormity of the experience.

"There is one word of advice and caution to be given those intending to visit Alaska for pleasure [he said]. If you are old, go by all means. But if you are young, wait. The scenery of Alaska is much grander than anything else of the kind in the world and it is not well to dull one's capacity for enjoyment by seeing the finest first."

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