Movie Review: 180 Degrees South

Recently, our president and founder Hayes Hitchens shared a powerful documentary with us called 180 Degrees South. The film reflects on the epic 5,000 mile journey down to the South American region of Patagonia by Patagonia Inc. founder Yvon Chouinard and North Face founder Doug Tompkins back in 1968. This journey would forever change their lives and their view of the world.

A promotional photo courtesy of 180 Degrees South
The two "accidental businessmen" loaded up an old secondhand van in Ventura, CA bringing nothing but some surfboards, a bit of clothing and self-made climbing gear and set off to discover what this rugged land of jagged snow-capped mountains and winding blue rivers had to offer such thirsty adventurers. As the 180 Degrees South trailer states, Chouinard and Tompkins' "hope of finding the last wild place on earth became their dream of saving it forever." Today, more than 2 million acres have been preserved in the region of Patagonia thanks to Tompkins and Chouinard's efforts.

This river in Chile faces the implementation of a hydro-electric dam, sure to damage the wildlife and ecosystem in the area.
The movie also shares the story of Jeff Johnson, a young filmmaker from California so inspired by Chouinard and Tompkins' journey that he sets out to recreate the trip himself. Instead of an old van, Johnson finds himself aboard the "Sea Bear", a small sailing vessel that will ultimately (after more than a month at sea!) bring him to Patagonian Chile and face to face with the challenge of climbing the pristine peak of Corcovado. In addition, Johnson ends up confronting a different challenge, one of pollution and environmental destruction thanks to international energy companies who have implemented dams and cellulose mills on the once-pure banks of Chile. Johnson, along with Chouinard and Tompkins and millions of others, have made it their mission to protect the land that has given them so much adventure, peace and self-discovery.

Costa Rica Venture 2010 students help prepare the land in San Ramon for a sustainable garden.
Every Moondance Adventure, be it a multi-sport, leadership or community service trip, seeks to give back to the land that serves as our summer playground, our teacher, our diary and our home. Whether it's on the trail in Wyoming practicing Leave No Trace ethics or on the island of Kauai, HI removing invasive species of plants with our friends at the Koke'e Museum, we make it our goal to protect the living things that were there first. We are inspired by the likes of Chouinard, Tompkins and Johnson, and while we haven't saved 2 million acres of wild land (yet!), we hope our 2 to 4 week adventures of "living simply" will resonate with our students and staff long after the airport goodbyes have been shared, after the student evaluations have been filled out and after the photo CDs have been sent. On Moondance, students learn that hot water and long showers are luxury items...the sun and a headlamp are the only sources of light you need...a pack on your back and a smile on your face are the only possessions required.

If we can pass along the message that every ounce of effort counts in order to make this world a better, greener place, then we have succeeded. When it comes to protecting this Earth, no voice is unheard and no good deed goes unnoticed.

To learn more about The Tompkins and The Chouinard families' quest to conserve the wild lands in Patagonia, please visit the Conservacion Patagonia and the The Conservation Land Trust websites.