Antarctica - 7 Continents and 100 Countries by age 50

Dear Global Family,

Those of you who know me well know that I have spent much of my life being a Nomad, working on Environmental and Humanitarian projects around the world and leading Yoga Retreats globally. I have shared many of my travels and adventures with you along the way. You know that I love this World of Wonder, am passionate about protecting it, believe in the unity beneath our diversity and that we can co-create a better, more beautiful world into being. That it's already happening, despite appearances.

Once, whilst living and working in Tulum – Mexico in 2008, someone asked me how many countries I’d been to. I didn’t know but it turned out to be 85, so I decided there and then (perhaps arbitrarily) that I’d better aim to hit the century – 100, and having worked on 6 continents, to make it to 7.

Now I’d be the first to tell you that we are all one and that borders are just man-made invisible lines on a map etc, but it turns out that only about 0.025% of people on Earth have been to 7 Continents and 100 Countries. Very few of them being females. It gives a certain wide perspective that has value, the possibility to be a voice for causes that matter and the opportunity to inspire others to follow their dreams, and is therefore, in my opinion, worth pursuing.

As Mary Oliver said: “What is it you plan to do with this one wild and precious life?”

Back in 2009 I was leading expeditions through South America and I found myself in Ushuaia, the Southernmost city in the world with nothing but water between it and Antarctica. I remember gazing out to sea yearning to go there and dreaming up ways to make it happen but it wasn't to be at that time as I had to keep moving and get my group safely to Buenos Aires. Now, fifteen years later, the call of the White continent has still not gone silent (which is odd as I am totally solar powered and don't love being freezing. :) I know I know, it's all about layers. There's no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothing.)

Now, if I want to hit the above goal then I have to go to Antarctica this season 2024-25. Time is of the essence. I tried my usual antics of attempting to get a job on board an icebreaker boat heading to Antarctica, as one does, but jobs were scarce and you have to commit for the whole season which it's too late for now, so this is a trip I will have to go on as a paying customer, rather than as work.

I have an opportunity to go on board National Geographic Explorer! Dec 8th-17th this year. To sail across the infamous and sometimes treacherous Drake Passage, explore the 7th Continent on foot, by kayak and in Zodiacs, maybe even camp on the white continent amongst penguins, and then fly back from King George Island to Puerto Natales in Chile, before returning home. Hopefully in one piece with a smile on my face, having had a profound life enhancing, world reimagining experience, with great photos and memories to share in a book that's already partially written called:

7 continents and 100 countries by age 50 - Inspirations from a Female Nomad.

Apart from planting 108 trees (one for each country and continent and one for luck, as it’s a very auspicious number,) I also plan to do some energetic clearing work in Antarctica and to anchor some Light there. That is something I have done everywhere I go, particularly at sacred sites, but I’ve always done it quietly and intuitively, leaving Luminous Trails as it were (the name of my website.) That’s another reason I feel I need to get to the 7th Continent; to link them all up, like an energetic grid. This is the inner work of my outer physical travels, often not spoken of but worth mentioning here as a large part of my desire to get there.

So, why am I telling you all this? Well, I’d like to give you the opportunity to get involved. Whilst my work has been adventurous and fulfilling it hasn’t made me rich (yet), and going to Antarctica is not cheap. The truth is that I can't make this happen without some help. Apart from following the adventure online and hopefully enjoying what I share, I'm aiming to get this Antarctica trip partially or fully sponsored. If you would be willing to help me make this happen with a donation, big or small, I would be unspeakably grateful! Whatever you are able to contribute towards it, whether it’s £1 or £5,000, would be enormously appreciated.

I'm not including International and internal flights, 2 nights in hotels pre and post trip, insurance, gear etc. Just the Antarctic trip itself.

Any amount in any currency would be sooooo appreciated.

£50 or more - you’ll get a free signed copy of the book when it emerges

£100 or more – you’ll get the free signed copy of the book and be my guest at a celebratory gathering at the Royal Geographical Society in London TBA

£1000 or more - you'll get a free signed copy of the book, be my guest at the RGS. Also have 5 tailor made 1 on 1 sessions with me of anything I offer (Life Tools, yoga, meditation, breathwork, sound healing, Cacao ceremony,) either online or in person.

£5,000 or more - you'll get a free signed copy of the book, be my guest at the RGS. Also have 5 tailor made 1 on 1 sessions with me of anything I offer (Life Tools, yoga, meditation, breathwork, sound healing, Cacao ceremony,) either online or in person. I dedicate my book to you, and you get to join one of my retreats for free.

Any help at all would mean the world to me!

Thank you so much in advance.

Jacqueline.