We have actually arrived in Antarctica a day ahead of schedule; I wonder how often that happens! Our flight to Antarctica was originally scheduled for Friday (that's Thursday east coast time!), but due to a needed medical evacuation from Antarctica, the plane went in early. Although we did not get to enjoy New Zealand for a day, it is nice to be here and nice to know that the person needing medical assistance is getting it and will be well!The flight over was amazing. The C-17 aircraft is simply a beast! Basically, the center section is filled with cargo and the people sit along the edges of the plane. On this flight, there was a pallet of airline seats towards the front as well, but we chose to sit along the edge - it's "fun"!
I must take a moment and introduce two travelers that have joined me for this adventure. First: "The Annoying Thing," although I would rather call him "The Amazing Thing" - I think I'll just call him TAT! So - meet TAT! TAT is a stuffed creature that belongs to one of my 8th grade students. TAT is trying to get to every continent on the planet; we thought it would be a good idea to bring him along with me! He is having a grand adventure thus far!
Second: Penguin. The emperor penguin has joined me on this trip to bring some positive penguin energy with me! I may be the only person that has been to Antarctica 3 times and only seen 1 live penguin! This emperor is intended to bring some penguin karma my way!
TAT and Penguin!
We had an 8am meeting at the CDC (Clothing Distribution Center) today in order to receive our issued ECW (extreme cold weather) clothing. After wrestling with all the clothing and packing into two very small orange duffle bags, all the gear was packed onto pallets while we had a briefing about what to expect in Antarctica.
Clothing carnage
Annika and Maciej stand with all our packed gear!
Just one of many pallets that got packed onto the plane!
One of several Antarctica Briefings!
We then boarded the plane and were quite quickly airborne! One advantage of the C-17 is that it can get to Antarctica in 5.5 hours; not bad! The weather was clear, so we could see the Antarctic continent spread before us. What an awe inspiring site; this place is massive!
TAT in his ECW gear!
Tat "buckeled in"!
Sitting on the edge!
The pilot was even nice enough to allow TAT to fly the plane for a few moments!
Tat flying - why does he look so scared?!
TAT looks through the "heads up display"!
TAT takes a moment to enjoy the view! What's he looking at.....
Antarctica in all her splendor!
We landed very smoothly on the ice, were shuttled into "Ivan the Terror Bus" to be transported to McMurdo Station from the sea ice, had yet another briefing, were assigned our rooms, picked up our luggage, and Finally were able to relax (at about 10 pm!)!
The BEAST has landed!
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Ivan the Terror Bus - another beast!
But we had a great surprise! We are here two weeks earlier than previous field seasons, so I wasn't expecting this: The sun actually "set" behind the mountains! Now, it only just BARELY went below the peaks, but it cast new hues on the mountains and the surrounding area. It was simply spectacular! The quiet, the lighting, the slight breeze, and the bitter cold (yes - it's below zero!) was breath-taking!
My first Antarctic "sunset"!
The gentler side of Antarctica!
You can also check out my journals and pictures from previous seasons at:
http://www.ryejrhigh.org/ellwood