Imagine receiving one of the highest honors in the world of exploration. That’s exactly what Andres Ruzo accomplished when he was awarded the prestigious Lowell Thomas Award. This recognition, bestowed upon individuals who have made significant contributions to travel and discovery, is a testament to Ruzo’s groundbreaking work.
The Lowell Thomas Award, named after the legendary American journalist and explorer, has been a symbol of excellence in the field for decades. It is awarded annually to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to exploration, travel writing, and photography. The award is considered one of the most prestigious honors in the industry and is highly sought after by adventurers and explorers worldwide.
Over the years, the Lowell Thomas Award has been bestowed upon some of the most iconic figures in exploration and travel. Previous winners include:
Andres Ruzo is a geologist and conservationist who has made significant contributions to the field of geographical discovery. His research has focused on the Amazon rainforest and its indigenous cultures (specifically Peru), and he has uncovered numerous hidden wonders of the natural world. Ruzo is perhaps best known for his discovery of the boiling river (or the Shanay-timpishka), a rare and extraordinary natural phenomenon.
Andrés Ruzo’s Boiling River Project is a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to uncovering, understanding, and protecting a remarkable natural wonder hidden deep within the Peruvian Amazon. This extraordinary phenomenon is a river heated by geothermal energy rising from the Earth’s core, creating a boiling expanse of water. Ruzo’s most significant achievement is his discovery and documentation of this unique river, shedding light on the intricate geological forces shaping the Amazon region. His research has not only captivated the world but has also contributed significantly to the conservation of this extraordinary natural resource.
Andres Ruzo’s TED Talk, titled “How I found a mythical boiling river in the Amazon,” is a sensation, captivating audiences around the world with its incredible story. In the talk, Ruzo shares his personal journey of discovery, from hearing the legend of the boiling river to his perilous expedition into the Amazon to find it. His passion and enthusiasm for his work are infectious, and his TED Talk has helped to raise awareness of the importance of protecting the Amazon rainforest and its unique ecosystems.
The Lowell Thomas Award ceremony will be held in Austin, Texas, on November 2, 2024. In addition to Andres Ruzo, other distinguished recipients this year include Carole Baldwin, Ph.D., Ellen K. Pikitch, Ph.D., and Sammy Ramsey, Ph.D. These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields of exploration and conservation.
Lowell Thomas was a legendary American journalist, radio broadcaster, and explorer. He is best known for his vivid and exciting storytelling, which captivated audiences around the world. Thomas traveled extensively throughout his life, covering major news events and exploring remote regions of the globe. He is credited with popularizing travel and adventure stories through his radio broadcasts and written works. Thomas’s legacy continues to inspire explorers and adventurers today
By following in the footsteps of Ruzo, we can become more engaged in the protection of our planet’s precious rivers. Let us explore the world with curiosity and a sense of wonder, seeking out new ways to conserve and protect these vital waterways. Together, we can create a more sustainable and vibrant future for generations to come.
The Lowell Thomas Award is a prestigious honor bestowed upon individuals who have made exceptional contributions to exploration, travel writing, and photography. It is considered one of the highest accolades in the field and is highly sought after by adventurers and explorers worldwide.
The boiling river is a rare and extraordinary natural phenomenon located in the Amazon rainforest. It is heated by geothermal activity, reaching temperatures hot enough to boil water. Andres Ruzo discovered the boiling river after hearing a legend about it from local indigenous people and embarking on a perilous expedition to find it.
The temperature of the boiling river can vary depending on various factors, including the flow rate, depth, and geothermal activity. However, it is generally hot enough to boil water, with temperatures reaching upwards of 200 degrees Fahrenheit (93 degrees Celsius).
The boiling river is heated by geothermal activity, which occurs when magma rises from deep within the Earth’s crust and heats groundwater. The heated water then flows to the surface, creating hot springs and boiling rivers.
The boiling river in the Amazon rainforest is one of the few known examples of a naturally occurring boiling river. There are a handful of other geothermal features around the world that can produce hot water, but they are not typically as large or as hot as the boiling river.
We collect water solely from flowing freshwater sources such as rivers, named bayous, streams, creeks, and brooks. Historically significant man-made freshwater canals, like the Erie Canal, may also be included. In exceptional cases, we may consider non-freshwater waterways like the culturally significant Bosporus Strait.
The water we collect isn’t meant for consumption. It becomes part of our treasured collection, a source of inspiration and unique keepsakes.
We’d love to hear from you! Here’s how to get started:
Become a Member: Fill out the membership form on our website.
Tell Us About Yourself: After submitting the form, send us an email to share more about yourself and your reasons for wanting to be part of River Mixer.
Review Collection Guidelines: While you wait to hear back, take a look at our collection guidelines to ensure any river water you plan to submit meets our requirements.
Submit Your River Water (Optional): If you have river water you’d like to contribute, briefly describe it in your email, including the location and name (if applicable). We’ll let you know if it’s a good fit for the collection.
Each river contributes just 500 ml (16 oz) [or less] of its story to our collection, ensuring a unique representation of waterways around the world. We limit our collections to a single sampling trip per river.
To ensure the authenticity and provenance of our river water, we employ a multi-step verification process. This includes video and photographic documentation of collection sites, coupled with GPS location tracking. Additionally, we collaborate exclusively with thoroughly vetted members and volunteers who represent the River Mixer during water collection.
North America’s rivers, like the Mississippi and Colorado, were once lifelines for pioneers. While ancient civilizations rafted too, John Wesley Powell is the undisputed father of modern whitewater rafting, which surged in popularity in the mid-20th century.
The rhythmic flow of a river symbolizes the transformation of barley into whiskey. This connection between the spirit, the land, and the water has inspired many distilleries to name themselves after nearby rivers.
Visiting a museum can sometimes feel like attending a family funeral, but in a much more enlightening and less depressing way. Similarly, the Magdalena River Museum is like a reunion with your past, not just for Colombians, but for anyone seeking a connection to their ancestral roots.
Knowing if a stream is a brook, creek, or river can be confusing. Thinking of these streams as a city with its alleyways, side streets, and highways can help you visualize the distinctions between them.
We had multiple art options for this post’s cover, but only one could make the cut. Here are 5 runner-ups. Did we choose the right one?
© 2024 River Mixer™ LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this site may be reproduced without written permission.
