Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 09/16/2008 - 11:59
Forums
Oden Antarctic Expedition 08

Dear Jeff,  

I just wanted to know how do you get prepared to go to the Antartic.What certain things do you have to bring with you.will you be comfortable being away from home.i am interested in learning  about the antartic. will you be able to write me while your there. 

from

Zach 

Thu, 09/18/2008 - 18:52

Jeff Peneston

Hi Zach!
 Thanks for your questions and I am sorry that it took me an extra day to respond.  Here goes.
I have lots to do to get ready to go to the Antarctic in November.  For example, I just spent 3 days in Washington DC meeting with all of the scientists who will be aboard the Oden icebreaker with me for 2 months.  I have to know who they are, what they will be doing and how I can help them.  Today, I went back to the doctor to continue working on my medical exam that I have to pass in order to qualify to go to the Antarctic.  The US Antarctic Program will not allow anyone to go to such a remote place unless they are healthy because while I am on the ship, in the sea ice, I will be thousands of miles from the nearest hospital or dentist.  
I will bring about 1 week's worth of clothes with me and then do my laundry on the ship.  I will also be issued a big orange bag filled with winter clothing and boots that I must wear at certain times when I am in Antarctica.  I will also bring about 20 pounds of laptop computers and cameras in a waterproof case.  
For most of my life I have lived and worked at a children's summer camp so I am not concerned about living away from home with strangers.  However, for most of my life I have also never been away from my wife and children for more than a week.  So, I am not sure how I will feel about being away from them.  I think it will be like 18 year olds feel when they get ready to go off to college for the first time and they are away from their families and can only see them on holidays.  Ask me about my feeling in the middle of December when it is almost Christmas and I have been away from family for about a month. 
See how I feel then.
Have fun & make memories,
Jeff