Being in the Antarctic Terminal Operations department has its perks. We have our own warm quiet transportation to the plane, our bags are placed on the top of pallets so they are the first unloaded at the airport, and we had seats reserved on the aircraft when we got on. Our flight was bumpy and turbulent. The weather was pretty "Antarctic-like" at take off. Nearly everyone lost their flight lunch when we tipped the wing towards McMurdo and left the 120 people there to "winter". The plane made an unprecedented 55 minute turn-around on The Ice, and we made it to New Zealand around 5:30pm.Stepping off the C-17 was an amazing experience. In one breath of fresh sweet air, I questioned whether I wanted to return next year or not. It feels good to be warmed from the outside in; rather than the inside out. I've bedecked myself in tanktops and capris the last two days and enjoyed lots of friends in Christchurch. I'm trying to keep busy in an otherwise emotional time arriving back to "life" and being overwhelmed with sensations (smells and colors) and feelings! There are plenty of Ice folks around to maintain a busy schedule!
On Tuesday, Kevin, Marty, J, Genevieve, and myself (this picture taken yesterday represents the first time all 5 of us have been in one place together) will be renting a station wagon and spending ten unplanned days on New Zealand's South Island. Genevieve and I hope to get our laptops in the wagon, but we may leave them behind. So, thus begins the short, usually picture-less updates (I'll post pictures when I get a chance). I will be writing this blog until I return from this journey back to the States.Thank you to all who have read my Antarctic thoughts and observations. The experience is still teaching me plenty of new things about myself!
1 comment:
Tell Jay he has to cut the mullet before he gets in the car... or before he meets any Kiwi women.
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