Today's the Day!
I woke up this morning with butterflies in my stomach. I leave for New Zealand today. I packed and repacked until I had everything just right. Luckily there were suggested packing lists form the United States Arctic Program, and Terry Palmer's wife provided me with her packing list. I managed to fit everything into one big bag (and two carry on bags). When I typically pack for a trip I'm not too worried--if I forget something I can buy it when I'm there, but for this trip I have to be very careful. At McMurdo Station there will be stores that have some items I may need, but once I'm out at the AGO site I'm stuck if I forgot something.
Getting the Gear
Luckily I have the gear I need. On Friday I stopped by Patagonia and picked up some crucial clothing that they donated to me. Richard (shown below) met me and gave me a big bag of goodies.
Richard presents Michelle with donated clothing from Patagonia - Austin.
Although I'll receive my Extreme Cold Weather (ECW) gear in New Zealand, I'll need lots of other layers to be prepared. Below is a time lapse video showing all the layers I have to wear:
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Last Days in Austin
It was hard to say goodbye to my friends and my fiance, Jesse. Since I'll be gone for Thanksgiving, Christmas and my birthday, Jesse and I celebrated early! It was a nice way to say goodbye.
A surpirse of apple and cherry pie from fiance Jesse to celebrate Michelle's birthday early.
After a tearful drive to the airport, I boarded my plane and arrived safely in L.A. I have waited so long to go on this trip that it seems surreal that its here! I met up with the McMurdo research team and boarded the plane to New Zealand. I'll be sure to check back in 13 hours from now!