[Alumni-chat] "Sacred Sea"

[dl bahr]

Dearest Chatters:
 
I know we are all busy people with plenty of reading material, but I recently started a book "Sacred Sea:  A Journey to Lake Baikal" by Peter Thomson.  A few from the early eighties might remember Peter--he did not stay among us long--but I think long enough to have earned the label Antiochian.  (if not an excellent actor and pretty good dancer.)
 
This is Peter's first book, and it is proving to be a gem.  My husband has been reading it to me as we make our long drive south from Minnesota to Ohio (looking forward to October 5 birthday parties).  We are both dazzled and humbled by the story being told.  It has made the monotony of a midwest road trip pale in comparison to Siberia and her precious Lake.
 
A few years ago, I learned that despite its large surface, Lake Superior was not the largest fresh water lake in the world.  The title belongs to Lake Baikal in Siberia.  "Sacred Sea" is the story of this Lake and Peter's Odyssey to get there.  In Minnesota we understand about Lakes although it is easy to take them forgranted.  Only Mr. Thomson, could travel so far to bring us the depth of what a Lake might mean.  
 
Peter makes no artistic claims--his training is as a environmental journalist--but I experience his writing as an artistic accomplishment.   My husband who is environmentally inclined and a science geek/reader from way back feels it is some of the best writing he has encountered.  He said "It may be some of the best writing currently being produced."  At any rate, it is a good read and I was glad to learn what Peter has been up to in recent years.  Glad to know a few of us are making it to exotic and out of the way places.
 
Lake Baikal now has an overlay with Antioch and I think there just might be a lesson for our precious jewel of a campus in all the layers.  Character and Place? Sustainability?  Survival in harsh circumstances.  "Sacred Sea" is a Victory for Humanity as its subject is a victory for nature.  Antioch certainly has another favorite son.
 
All the Best,
Lesley A. Pownall Bahr
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