8 October 2019 T-3 Days

BonVoyage

San Antonion Staff Painting Party send off for Mrs. Hardoy

With only days left until my departure, I was treated to BonVoyage parties this week! First, our school staff had an afterschool "meeting"...otherwise known as a BonVoyage painting party. Of course, we painted this fun Antarctica scene. I'm so blessed to have colleagues that are so supportive!

Mrs. Hardoy's Bonvoyage "Antarctica" painting

I'm not particularly artistic, but I tried to get the penguin just right. Any guesses what type on penguin it's supposed to be?

San Antonio Elementary wishes Mrs. Hardoy Bon Voyage

Then it was goodbye time for my students. Friday was my last day until December. Lots of hugs and well wishes. I'm really going to miss them all! I look forward to having video calls with them from Antarctica.

Next, there was a send off from my friends and family. We barbequed and enjoyed the Lockwood 85 degree evening. Thanks everyone for coming over to celebrate with me!

Bon Voyage dinner - Mr. and Mrs. Hardoy

I ended the weekend with another great meal at the best diner in Lockwood with my hubby.

School visits

San Lucas Elementary 6th-8th Grade learn about Mrs. Hardoy's expedition

Today, I was honored to meet the students from San Lucas School. They are a great bunch of students that listened to my presentation about my expedition. They thought the specimens I brought of the fish we are going to study were cute.

San Lucas students watching Mrs. Hardoy's PolarTREC presentation

These kiddos asked great questions and gave me lots of ideas for more journals. They all signed a paper penguin for me that I will take to Antarctica. Thank you for your hospitality Mrs. Riley, Mr. Carvey and Mrs. Ross!

Tomorrow....

I am excited to meet with students and teachers from Arroyo Seco Elementary in Greenfield. I plan to meet with fifth and sixth graders and their teachers. I am hoping they have some questions for me!

If you are a teacher...or know one, I'd love to come visit your classroom after I return. Don't forget to look for my Polar Connect Event in early November. You will be able to join my Skype session and ask questions. Lots of lesson plans are on the PolarTREC website too.

3....2....1!

My passport is packed, itinerary is on my phone, and my suitcase is still underweight. I'll repack for the third time Wednesday, then say my final goodbyes. Thursday, I'll board my plane for my flight to Auckland, NewZealand. I'm staying bubblewrapped until then. No colds, no twisted ankles. I've had too many ups and downs. I think reality will hit as I finally board the plane. I'm going to Antarctica!

Until next time....

Stay Cool