Antarctica?

Yeppers, Antarctica. The allure of this adventure has been tugging on me for years. I was waiting for a coupe life events to happen, but they didn’t. Rather than finding the freedom to do this life became more complicated in the most awesome way.

I found love. Yes, this is a strange Segway, but I found love. Richard, aka Ruffles has become a part of my life I never thought I’d find. The positive feelings overflow, so much so that some distance will not affect the relationship. With his support and encouragement I started the journey of a lifetime.

Spring of 2025 I applied for a position at McMurdo Station, Antarctica. Shortly thereafter I was interviewed and hired, which started the process of getting qualified. This took months of doctor visits, a dentist visit, appointments with specialists, background checks, security clearances… the whole gamut.

One week before I was scheduled to deploy I received word that I was “ticketed” and would be flying out. Exciting news of course and now, I had to prepare and pack to live for six months in Antarctica’s summer climate which can vary from -40° to 40°F. On top of that I can only bring 75lbs. of whatever with. Food, bedding, and extreme cold weather gear are the only things provided. Clothing and toiletries and anything else I cannot live without must be packed and prioritized to be less than 75lbs.

Think of your life; how much of anything do you need for six months? Toothpaste, soap, shampoo… I had no clue. So the guessing game began, and the game continues. Only a few days into this adventure I’m wondering if I brought enough! But I was also maxed out on weight. So, did I pack wrong or right? Only time will tell.

On October 1st, I flew out of Montana to LA. Contuned from there to Auckland, New Zealand. It’s now October 3rd, my first time out of the USA and over the international date line! A long walk through the airport to customs. Through customs, out the international terminal and a 20 minute walk with all my luggage to the domestic terminal. Back through security and then wait. The next flight takes me to Christchurch on the South Island in New Zealand. If you’re wondering, yes, the New Zealand accent is hella sexy!! But they talk way too fast!!

I spent three days in Christchurch to get my extreme cold weather gear, finish up online training and to sight see when I could. Of course the weather was cold and rainy. But not nearly as cold as arrival to Antarctica.

Oct 6th, I wake up before the sun and make my way back to the airport. Cold weather gear is donned, items are repacked then briefing after briefing about the security protocol and process and flight from New Zealand to Antarctica. After hours of waiting we (about 100 of us) make our way to the airfield to board the plane. A C-17, military cargo plane with the most uncomfortable seats. More over; no WiFi, onboard entertainment, no meal service, and barely any heat!! We did have a brown bag lunch though!

But, it’s all part of the adventure. During the 6 hour flight I pondered what was in the conex box in front of me. I could see it was just over 5,000 lbs, so it must have been packed full of something. In the end I came up with nothing!! I also napped and wandered about the plane when I could. 

As we flew south the plane got colder and colder. About an hour from landing I was wondering if I made the right choice. It was downright (below) freezing on the plane. Which was warmer than the moment I stepped out onto the ice.

It was a slap in the face as to how cold it was going to be on the ice. But looking around at the mountains in the distance; the cold was worth it. It’ll take a while to acclimatize, but I know, after wandering around and doing a little sight seeing, I made the right choice coming here.

The ice, snow, volcanic rock, mountains… all breathtaking. Not to mention the cold, takes ones breath away!!

As most of you know I do not have much in the way of internet service here. Therefore, I will post all I can when I can here. If anyone wants an update, please refer them here. I cannot contact everyone individually, so this is my best course of action to keep you all informed. If I have the data allowance I will post photos, because it really is beautiful here.