Preparation-Anticipation

Today has been a fantastic couple of days with two close friends here in the Rockies.  Rock climbing and mountain climbing has been good soul food. But, with a departure date set for Saturday, I am beginning to feel the crunch of schedule and the excitement of leaving.

There is a lot to think about before leaving to such a remote place. Passwords to change, bank accounts to close and setup for international travel, storing personal belongings, deciding what to pack and of course visiting with friends and family.

By now most of this list has been taken care of but I am still waiting to receive some camera equipment and -150 F insulated safety boots. Little details that stack up quick with time counting down.

The anticipation for leaving is building with each day. The feelings are a mix of nervousness, calm and a little twinge of caution. Yesterday I talked with a former Antarctic worker and her told me about the point of no safe return. Which is basically the point where the plane flying you from New Zealand to McMurdo doesn't have enough fuel to return to New Zealand and must continue on. If there is an accident and the plane goes down, you freeze to death in 8 minutes.

Things to mull over a bit, but that is a little risk that makes the adventure all the more exciting.

A New Blog for News Direct From the South Pole

Hello friends and curious readers, this blog will be a chronicle of my adventures and learning's while working at the South Pole over the winter of 2009/2010.

I hope to report on some of the scientific research that is going on there and give an idea of what life is like upside down and on ice.