
A Musical Journey Through Time: Memories with Santana on Wharton Ridge
2025-05-15
Author: John Tan
Ever had one of those days where your mind drifts back through time, conjuring memories like a cinematic journey? That’s exactly what hit me while listening to Santana's iconic track, "Dance Sister Dance," from 1976.
As the smooth guitar riffs filled my room, I couldn't help but glance at my beloved Snake plant—a green companion I’ve nurtured for nearly 50 years. This plant traveled with me from a cozy cottage by Highland Lake in Winsted, Connecticut, back in 1977. The nostalgic sound of Santana's music transported me back to a live performance in Waterbury, Connecticut, around 1972 or '73. Ah, the magic of live music!
Flash forward to September 1991, cruising home in an old red pickup truck with my friend Bob Wharton from NASA HQ. After an exhilarating day of multi-pitch rock climbing at Seneca Rocks, we cranked up the one 8-track tape he had: Santana's "Amigos." The song spilled out again and again, a perfect soundtrack for our adventure.
But time is a tricky thing—Bob passed away unexpectedly in 2012. Reflecting on our shared exploits, I recalled Dale Anderson's incredible adventures in Antarctica with him. Dale, a remarkable explorer himself, recently received accolades from the Explorers Club, and I remember sharing a priceless photograph from 1996 of Dale, Bob, and the legendary Sir Edmund Hillary amidst the icy landscapes.
My thoughts then drifted to Khumjung, Nepal, in 2009, where I posed with some Apollo 11 Moon rocks next to Hillary's statue. Those same Moon rocks once reached the summit of Mt. Everest, thanks to the remarkable Astronaut Scott Parazynski. Now, they reside in the International Space Station (ISS), a testament to the incredible journeys I’ve been part of.
Inside the ISS is a dedicated plant growth chamber honoring my mentors, Thora Halstead and Ken Souza—individuals who shaped my path alongside Bob and Dale.
Finally, my mind landed on Wharton Ridge on Mars, named in 2016 after my late friend Bob. It made me think: someone should sit there one day, enjoy a lunch break, and play "Dance Sister Dance" on their tricorder. Now that would be a scene worthy of any cosmic adventure!