Getting Outfitted
This morning we checked in at the Clothing Distribution Center. Its at the airport and they had a short orientation to the Antarctic Program and what to expect. We got to watch a couple of short videos about things like how to avoid injury and illness due to either cold, high altitude or your own poor judgement. I got my second flu shot in the last month because I forgot to bring proof of the first one. We also were issued our ECW, or Extreme Cold Weather gear.
Clothing samples hanging on the wall at the Clothing Distribution Center.
Up in Fairbanks, Alaska and down here in Christchurch, there are gear warehouses that remind me of the Room of Requirement in Harry Potter books. For Harry, its this magical room that provides you with whatever you might need to have. Here, the Clothing Distribution Center provides us with what we'll need to be comfortable out in the field. When I explained that I'm a teacher, the staff let me look around behind the desk so I could take some photos for you. Whole armies of parkas, affectionately called "Big Reds" await subsequent travellers at the CDC. We received a few pairs of gloves, many layers of fleece, socks, googles, and beanies. My favorite item acquired today, though, are the insulated carhartt overalls. I'll have to show you a photo tomorrow because we left all of our selections at the CDC until our flight.
The army of Big Red coats at the Clothing Distrubution Center.
Our Ice Flight is scheduled for tomorrow! We are all very excited to be on our way there! Each step in this process has made everything more real. It's possible that our departure may be delayed based on the number of ice flights that actually leave when they're scheduled, but sooner or later it will be our turn!
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