An Extra Day in Christchurch!

My room in CHC.

My flights were long but thankfully uneventful. I had an 11 hour layover in Sydney and tried to get into the Qantas Lounge but the evil lady at the door wouldn't let me in! She was just plain nasty. I was with 2 other "ice people" so we went to the Air New Zealand lounge and the Kiwis being the friendly people they are, allowed us to spend our hours in their lounge! Once inside we had the run of their buffet, drinks (including beer, wine and hard liquor) and best of all, the showers! I'm not gonna lie that was one of the best showers I've ever had! And I really needed one! It's always bad when one can smell oneself! Lol!

I arrived in Christchurch at 0030 Sunday morning 9/28 and had to be at the CDC ( Clothing Distribution Center) at 0900. Oh and there was a time change-Spring Ahead. By the time I got checked into my hotel it was 0130 and with the time change it was 0230. Ugh! But I woke up in time after a short but satisfying sleep and got my gear and attended orientation. We were done at 1500. I met the new doctor, Jane, and we went to dinner. Went to bed at 1930. I know, such a party animal!

We were supposed to be on the C-17 this morning and 15 minutes after I got out of the shower I received a call from the desk that we were on a 24 hour delay. That means I'm going into the city center today and playing tourist! I'll post some pics later! Woot woot!

My new Big Red!

Round 2 It's Like Deja Vu All Over Again!

Hi Everyone! Please join me here as I get ready to embark on my second journey down to the bottom of the world! I am leaving today and will hopefully arrive at McMurdo Station in about 4 days. I will be there until March 2015 and will be working as a Fire Department Dispatcher. MTF soon! 🐧

Amazing Alaska!

We had such an amazing and even life changing trip! Please see the link to view a collection of pictures: 

http://tripwow.tripadvisor.com/tripwow/ta-081d-0110-ccc8?ln

Welcome Back!

I'm Baaaack! In a few short weeks I will be traveling towards the other pole! We will be taking a cruise to Alaska and then a tour in the interior of the state. It will still be a "100 Degrees Difference". I am thrilled I'll be able to wear some of my personal cold weather gear agin! Please join me on my newest adventure!

Goodbye McMurdo

I left McMurdo and Antarctica today. I'm feeling so happy about going home but I'm also sad that I am leaving some wonderful and amazing friends. I gave my hiking boots to my friend and co-worker Tori. Those boots have literally been all over the world. They served me well and I know L2 was overjoyed that I gave them away( she hates those boots!). I'm just happy that a good friend will use them in Antarctica over the winter. I'm going to miss a lot of people I've met down there but in addition to Tori ( who came in early for the winter so I could get home sooner) I'm going to miss my other co-workers, Wes, Marsha and my boss Lori. All of them are good people and great friends.

I am writing this from the Sudima Hotel in Christchurch, New Zealand. I flew here in a LC-130 (the one with skis). It took 7 1/2 hours. I think I actually slept 3 of those hours! Tomorrow I leave here for Sydney then LA and finally home!

I will miss you, McMurdo. Thank you for the ride! Time for me to get home to my animals, my home and the people who love me there!

RWAV

Or "Room With a View". I went snowmobiling yesterday!! It was my first time and I had a blast! We went about 5 miles out and back on our own snowmobiles and this is what we saw:

Castle Rock

Mt. Erebus in the clouds

I wasn't cold (had warmers on the handles!) and I wasn't last in line! Got it up to about 45 MPH which was plenty fast enough! My body took a beating and I'm pretty sore today. It was worth every ache and pain! What a great memory!

My Co-Worker Marsha

Miscellaneous Photos

Here's some photos I've taken since I've been here. Friday evening I get to take a snowmobile trip (yes, I get my own snowmobile!) out to the Erebus Tongue Glacier!

Adelies On the Ice Pier

Reflections Off Open Water at hut Point

Pressure Ridges at Scott Base

Ice Melt at Hut Point

Pressure Ridges and Pool at Scott Base