My Journey Thus Far

I arrived in ChristChurch, New Zealand yesterday around noon local time. Prior to that I spent three days in Denver doing OSHA training and orientation. The training wasn't really all that bad, and it was really nice to meet all of my fuels crew. They seem like a fun and lively bunch. I'm really looking foward to the season on the Ice with these guys. I'll be going over to the CDC today at one to get my ECW (Extreme Cold Weather) gear, and from there will be exploring the city of ChristChurch. I was scheduled to leave for the Ice tomorow morning, but because of snowstorms in McMurdo I won't be leaving till thursday at the very earliest, and I wouldn't be surprised if I got delayed further.

Predictions

I'm going to go ahead and say that I really don't know what to expect, but from gleaning various Antarctic blogs, websites, books and a few Ice People I know (including my aunt), I hear that McMurdo is just like a small college campus. There's the dorms, the cafeteria, the rec center, the weight room, the coffee house, the bar (if you're a wet campus like C of I), the parties, the gossip, and the copious amounts of licentious sexcapades and binge drinking. Just like college, should be a nice transition for me since I'm a recent college grad and am used to the lifestyle (albeit trying to show restraint with the last three).

I predict Antarctica will be stark and beautiful; the landscape harsh and unapologetic, completely comfortable being the most environmentally hospitable place on earth yet drawing humans to explore its wonders. I predict that it will be unbearably cold, then eternal daylight, then unbearably cold again. I predict that I will work hard, break my back, heal my back, tell myself that labor is character-building and that I'm in the pursuit of science, and bond with my crew. I don't predict that I will "have a great experience and make lifelong friends" because I'd never consciously write something that cliche. There will be stories galore, I hope-- not necessarily all good or all funny, because that's not what life is. I am a memory collector, an experience hoarder, and a skill-seeker. I want those things, and I hope I can draw them out of this cold harsh land.

Gathering of the Fuelies

A word from Alex Morris, head of Fuels and Josh's boss: Greetings one and all. the time draws nigh to a gathering of all Summer 09-10 Fuelies. Just as a quick reminder, all of you should have tickets or be in process of getting ticketed. If not, please call me ASAP! You will be arriving in Denver on Sept. 23^rd for DJ’s 40^th birthday training and deployment. OSHA training will occur the morning of the 24^th at 7:30am. Shuttles will be provided by the hotel and Raytheon. After we all go through LOCK OUT/TAG OUT training, we’ll shuttle back to the hotel for Fuelie Training. The 25^th is another full day of training (ethics, Raytheon’s tactical assault systems, IT INFOSEC completion for those you who haven’t done it yet), and a heap of other stuff. Training on the 24^th and 25th ends at 5:00pm. (There are a few businesses close to the hotel that offer food and beverage service if there is anyone interested in such.) We all return on the 26^th for another morning of fun in the saddle and then we all get on busses and head to DIA for the commencement of our Antarctic adventure! Whooo hoooo! It is this last point that I wish to specifically address. Below is word from the head of the Deployment Specialist Group (DSG) concerning the increase in weight allowances when flying to McMurdo. It has gone from 75 to 150lbs. The international weight limit still remains 140lbs, but if you have a lead ballon collection that you’ve always wanted to bring to McMurdo, this is the year to do it. see you folks soon! alex 720-568-2266

Antarctica Gear!

Just bought a SmartWool crew top! Anti-microbial so it doesn't stink (as bad). Need to get a couple more of those, but I've got a start. Sticking with the SmartWool theme, I bought myself a pair of SmartWool pants to wear under my carhartt's, coveralls, etc.

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Also bought a couple pairs of mountaineering socks from Cabela's,
And last but not least, my big splurge: a GoLite women's softshell jacket.

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One of the things that Antarcticans consistently report regretting not bringing down is their own cold gear (NSF issues you some, but it's, well, borrowed goods.) Almost outfitted; good thing I won't be able to spend my paychecks b/c this gear is costing me a pretty penny.

Three Weeks to Deployment

I got my deployment itinnerary a few days ago and will be leaving on Sept. 23 for the Ice. I know that three weeks is going to fly by. It's hard to believe that it will actually be happening. I sometimes have to stop and consider how fortunate I am to have this opportunity. At 19, and with only two years of college credits, I'm very lucky to be going down to the work on the ice.