Clothing Distribution Center (CDC)
At 9:00 this morning we arrived at the Clothing Distribution Center, also known as the CDC… just very different from the Center for Disease Control “CDC” you’re used to.
The Clothing Distribution Center in Christchurch, also known as the CDC.
First they checked my computer for antivirus software, next I talked to the nurse to make sure all of my vaccinations were up to date, and then we watched a few movies that described what to expect on the ice.
Extreme Cold Weather (ECW) Gear
Next up we received our Extreme Cold Weather gear, more commonly referred to as ECW (there are a lot of acronyms here!).
With temperatures ranging from -40 to +40F in these summer months, I sure do need a lot of gear to ensure that I’m prepared for extremely cold weather. A parka, fleece jacket, fleece pants, snow pants, hats, gloves, mittens, mitten liners, a gaiter, a balaclava, and boots. Phew!
A view of the some of the ECW. Notice the bright red parka - it's super warm and the color & badge indicates you're with the United States Antarctica Program!
The rest of the ECW. Got to stay warm!
As I walked into a giant changing room (one for men, one for women), I saw big orange bags with my name on. All of the gear was organized in advance for each person, specific to their sizes (according to a previously filled out form), which station they’re going to, and what time of year they’re going.
The men's changing room at the Clothing Distribution Center (CDC). Each of those orange bags included ECW for that person, ready to be tried on.
I tried on each piece to make sure it fit. After a few exchanges for different sizes, I was good to start packing up.
Here's a video I took back at my training in Alaska showing me putting on all of the ECW. This video is at double speed,so as you can tell it takes awhile to put everything on!
Packing Up
For the flight to Antarctica, you’re allotted three bags with a maximum combined weight of 85kilos (~187lbs):
- Carry On Bag - just like a carry on bag on a commercial flight, this bag stays with me. It includes the ECW needed on the flight (parka, snow pants, hat, and gloves), books, snacks, and anything else I think I’ll need during the 8+ hour flight to McMurdo.
- Boomerang Bag - this bag is in case the flight is delayed or turns back around, hence the name “boomerang.” It includes an extra outfit, pjs, and basic toiletries. Besides my carry on, this is the only bag I’d get back if I needed to spend a few more days in Christchurch waiting for a flight.
- Checked Bag - this bag gets checked in and I will not have access to it until I get to Antarctica.
My checked bag on the left and my carry on bag on the right. I opted to combine my carry on and boomerang bags since I had more than enough space for everything I wanted to bring.
Well I’m all packed up and ready to go now. It’s finally hitting me that I’m going to Antarctica TOMORROW (assuming no delays).
A letter slipped under my hotel door let me know what time I'm scheduled to fly out tomorrow.
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