With an early wake up call in our Chistchurch hotel we departed to the airport. We are told that the weather has improved and should allow for safe travel. In the event that we are turned around before landing we are all told to pack a "boomerang bag". This should be used in the event that we have to return to Christchurch (5 and half hours) and try again the next day. Since all of our belongings will be packed on pallets, and the Air Force crew that packed them is not keen on undoing this work unnecessarily, the boomerang bag is what we will have to hold us over until the next day when we try the whole thing again. I am told that the record number of unsuccessful attempts at landing is 7. That's a full week of flying for ten to twelve hours a day just to land at the same place you departed from.
Pre flight
Antarctic Treaty participants
C-17
The plane is a C-17 and it is flying under a full load. Not only do we have a full compliment of scientists and support crew aboard but we also have some VIPs. Some military brass, at least one general, a few colonels, and an assortment of their lower ranking entourage but we also have some civilian big shots (this is probably not the place for throwing out guesses).
Inside C-17
Full Load
At about four and a half hour into this flight the crew is making preparations for landing (I assume) and pulling out personal bags of the VIPs. I will take this as a good sign that they anticipate a successful flight.
From the plane
Touchdown!
arrival
Panoramic
Terra Bus
Self shot