A New Age of Exploration
There are some who would say that the Age of Exploration is dead. We look around and find every peak summitted, every continent crossed, every ocean sailed. Is there nothing left to discover? Does the spirit of adventure no longer beckon? Is exploration dead?
Yet with the dirge still echoing in our ears and the dirt still fresh on the grave of the First Great Age of Exploration, we find a new age dawning. Exploration is being reborn in our lifetime, with the same soul of discovery, yet with a new focus. The previous Age’s gaze was perpetually squinting at some distant horizon, craning up at some lofty peak. The explorers of old cried, “To the ends of the earth!”, meanwhile rushing right past the magnificent middles of the earth all around them. Their attention was fixated on the extremes: hottest desert and coldest arctic, highest peaks and lowest depths, richest individuals and poorest nations. For centuries humanity explored these extremes and expanded the boundaries of the known world, until one day we found all the limits delimited and all the boundaries marked. So perhaps it was inevitable that the Second Great Age of Exploration should then turn back to the great interior and the marvels of the middle as its new frontier.
This great rebirth of exploration retains its predecessor’s spirit of adventure and unwavering resolve to discover. Yet whereas the previous paradigm saw humanity pushing forever outwards, we now resolve instead to probe ever inward. Those who went before reveled in the extraordinary, while we now can extol the glory of the ordinary and the dignity of the commonplace.
Moved by this zeitgeist, The National Geographic Center Society was founded in January 2007 with the following goals:
- To discover and document the geographic center of every state, and
- To promote the exploration and enjoyment of ordinary people and places everywhere
The National Geographic Center Society is currently admitting new members and seeking patrons to fund exploration. To become a part of the Society, click here.
(In case you’re still unsure—yes, we are being silly here. The Society exists more in spirit than in substance, and yet you really can join in the fun of our journey by joining our made-up Society. So go ahead, get involved!)
This website chronicles the adventures of 
Hi Mrs.Beese! Remember me this is Adiba! In your 5th grade music class! Have a nice trip!
Good Luck you two! I know it will be a challenging and awesome 2 years for you.
I saw you two on the news. I’ve read a bit of your website & it sounds like so much fun. You have an interesting list of favorite books and the titles have intrigued me, so I may try to check out a few from the library & give them a quick read. You talk about the spirit of adventure & exploration…of wanting to see & experience new things. I have that spirit inside me, that’s why I like traveling & vacations so much…not because I get away from work but because I get away to a new experience. God bless you both & good luck on your travels…I can’t wait to read about your experiences.
I love you both and will miss you!!!
Congratulations on beginning your fantastic adventure. In 2004 I ran across the United States in 71 days and I know that you will have a blast and have an experience that will give you a lifetime of memories and guaranteed interesting conversation.
Remember, when it gets really hot, you are tired and you are ready to “get it over with”, never wish away time.
Russell Allison
LOOKING FORWARD TO ALL OF YOUR UPDATES. I KNOW YOU WILL HAVE A GREAT ADVENTURE. GOD BLESS YOU
I am inspired by you two. We have forgotten how to “adventure.” I read Tolkein’s books and wish that I could go on an adventure. I think of Bilbo Baggins saying, “I think I’m ready for another adventure.” Thank you for the encouragement to continue exploring. I have you in my prayers. Have a wonderful adventure!
Remember when Lo and I ate pancakes at our pad in Norman? Remember the coleman stove lesson you gave me?
You two are beautiful. You left a stirring impression on me. I feel inspired to chase my own adventure, and y’all have already proved that its all worth it.
I love reading about your experiences. Keep crankin’ and God Bless!
*correction- …your pad
Bill and Marybeth Earley’s e-mail address is wetandem@nycap.rr.com
They are our friends in Albany.
Happy travels.