Today we had an appointment at the Clothing Distribution Center (CDC). It is quite exciting for anyone who has never been to Antarctica before because this is when you get all of your clothes for the ice! When we arrived, there were bright orange bags out with our names on them and they were filled with all sort of great clothing!
The most important part of the process is making sure all of the clothing fits well so that you will stay warm. Before you can count to ten I had all of the clothing out and was trying all of it on. We got fleece, long underwear, goggles, gloves, mittens, winter hats, socks, boots, boot liners, wind jackets, and a big red down jacket! With all of the clothes on you can hardly tell it is me!
My first time trying on the 'Big Red'.
It took about one hour to go through all of the clothes and exchange items so they all fit correctly. It is a challenge to make sure all of the clothing fits because when you are standing in a room in sunny Christchurch, New Zealand you can't imagine needing so many layers! By the end of it I was exhausted. I am now convinced that I am going to look like a big red marshmallow when I have all of my gear on!
One of my orange bags with my cold weather clothing in it.