I’m posting a link here because I want you all to know about the page and give some listens. I also don’t know if the page shows up anywhere else to make it easy to navigate to! Lack of internet to work on these things is interesting. But where there’s a will, there’s a way.
The genre are all over the place, but I hope you guys enjoy!
Pneuma’s Antarctic Music
AND, I know I said photos next, but those are delayed. I was so close to getting a good Emperor photo!! Soon, I promise!!
The snow is melting. In town (McMurdo) the temperatures are generally ten degrees higher than on the shelf. But, even when it’s still below 0°F the snow everywhere is melting. Still in the negatives on the shelf and we have melt. That amazing power of the sun. Shining from millions of miles away, 93 million to be exact… ish, and yet able to melt snow in subzero temperatures.
Okay okay. 93 million miles is an average because the earth doesn’t orbit in a circle. It’s elliptical, therefore at its furthest, also known as aphelion it’s about 94.5 million miles away. And at its closest, also know as perihelion it’s about 91.4 million miles away. But anyway…
A new challenge we face on the shelf is the snow pack falling apart. Most of us know what it’s like when snow pack on roads starts to soften. Big ole snow pot holes. We will have the same here as the snow softens. Since wheeled planes use our runway it’s going to be a challenge to maintain and repair throughout summer. The runway does the same thing as all the surrounding snow. We will still be running the 65,000 lbs weight carts on it. So, that’ll creat damage that’ll need repaired. If we don’t, those soft spots continue to be a problem year after year.
Everything on the shelf stays white though! So much white here. Going outside without sunglasses is a terrible experience. I’ve done it a few times and regret not just going back to get them! All white, mostly flat, and now potholes!! Shelf life is indeed interesting. Just like back home, just way more sun and way more white! Oh, and on cloudy days. In flat light, you cannot see the pot holes, or the drifts after a storm; which we had another! Drifts up to four feet tall by the buildings and probably 6”-8” on the roads. It’s four days after the last storm and we still haven’t been able to fix the roads!!
Another mindf*ck is when I’m hand shoveling out on the shelf and I wonder when I’m going to hit dirt. How far do I have to dig to hit dir… oh wait. It’s snow and ice then ocean!!
And one more; being out in the shelf and looking at the mountains in the distance. The dark areas remind me of the mountains back him in the winter. Lots of snow; the white and then dark, generally trees. And I wonder to myself; why doesn’t anyone live here? Then quickly remind myself that that is just rock and snow in the distance. One would have to live on penguin and seal blubber alone. And I also wonder; what would those taste like?! What would a penguin omelette be like?! Use the seal fat for butter… I bet it all tastes like fish.
On Ross Island, the home away from home, the snow is melting and refreezing just like back home. Even though the sun is up 24/7 the temperatures still fluctuate to melt during the day and freeze at night. I figured it would just melt and stay melted, but apparently the suns angle changes enough. For the temperature change. It can also be felt. While in a machine working during the day it gets hot inside, even with the heat off. Toward the end of the shift the temperature in the cab starts to drop. That greenhouse effect in action!
This is creating wet and mud during the day and ice at night; which is still day!! Here, there is heat tape in the culverts to melt them out for the daily running water. Each culvert has a generator sitting there warming the heat tape melting a path.
The landscape is also slowly emerging. A reminder that this is an inhospitable place. It feels like the moon emerging from the snow. All volcanic rock and dust and no… no vegetation or wild life! I’ll post some photos soon. Maybe the moon landing was filmed here! Ba-hahaha!
Sure there’s the occasional skua, penguin, and the seals just lounging about. But the penguins and seals are mostly on the sea ice. The skua, two (make that four) that I’ve seen, just fly over and disappear. It’s desolate here.
Again a reminder of why not much really lives here. Because life is damn near impossible here. Plants, mosses, struggle through the very short summer season. I have been told that there are a few places that moss grows here. Maybe I’ll see some! But probably not. That would require a hike and I don’t have the proper footwear… or the ambition!
It’s mostly the ambition to go for a hike. But I will at some point for more photos of the area. There are vantage points that give another view.
Reminds me of Robin William’s character, John Keating, in Dead Poets Society when he stands on his desk and asks the students why he’s staring up there. His answer, “I stand upon my desk to remind myself that we must constantly look at things in a different way.”
And, similar but different, Frank Lloyd Wright when he presented his idea to the Kauffman family for the house at Bear Run, famously known as Fallingwater. His idea was to build the house atop the waterfall rather than facing it. And asked why; this is a paraphrase of course. Because if you have a view of the waterfall from your house you will eventually take the view for granted. The house on top forces the family to hike from the house to look back, thus keeping the appreciation of the waterfall.
Antarctica as I have said over and over is very beautiful. Like everywhere else in the world we have weather. From bluebird sunshiny days to windy cloudy days. We’ve had actual snow a couple times. And if you haven’t read my previous posts. Antarctica is a dessert or is it a desert?! Either way snow is rare and seeing it is magical. Most of the snow here has blown in. From where, I have no clue!! But it blows like the sands of a sand blaster. I bet you thought I was going to say desert!
Similarly the Royal Society Range, when the sky is clear, is magnificent!
Yes, this is an abrupt ending, but maybe it’ll keep you in suspense as to what will be posted next… oh wait. I said some photos. Well, that ends this post and the suspense!
We, here in the south, are in the season when the sun does not set. I was asked what it’s like; what the psychological effects are of being in 24 hours of daylight. The next sunset is February 20th 2026.
The truth is; I mostly don’t notice. The dorm room I’m in is an inner room, no outside walls and no windows. It’s an off white box with grey carpet and blue cabinetry. Sleeping is way easier here, even with roommates than it was at home. I sleep pretty solid through the night since there is no light.
The biggest effect I have noticed, is the work day seems to fly by. The sun does move throughout the day but it’s always the same brightness… unless of course there are clouds!
But it makes the work day seem short. I’ll look at my watch and realize it’s lunch time. And then look again later and realize we have worked more than our hours for the shift. But I feel like I can just work and work without getting terribly tired.
Unlike being at home with the day changing like it’s intended!! I felt constantly tired there. Maybe be it wasn’t the day and night changes. It could have been the elevation. Here, I’m not exactly at sea level, but I am working on top of the frozen ocean!! I’ll have to see if I can find the sea ice elevation!!
Another couple weird phenomena I didn’t expect, my compass points south rather than north. I believe I mentioned that already, but I still find it interesting. Things also look much closer than they really are. I’ll have to do some research, but the islands and mountains surrounding us look very close. But they are not. This seems magnified here, more so than back home. There is a book about an early explorer who thought he could walk across the ice shelf to one of the islands and return in the same day. He walked twelve hours and didn’t feel any closer so he turned back.
When we drive out to the airfield it’s about 11 miles, but about five as the crow flies. From the rock, Ross Island, it looks very close. Same with Williams Air field, which we approach as we are driving out to Phoenix Airfield. Williams will look like it’s about a mile away when it’s about six miles away. I think to myself that I’m close to the turn to Phoenix, but I actually may be half way to Williams. It’s very strange, that I’ve driven this road many times and still think I’m further than I really am.
And, the snow here sound like styrofoam walking or driving across undisturbed snow and it squeaks like styrofoam. It’s a fun sound, something you don’t hear much in the mid north!! I bet closer to the North Pole, it sounds the same as here! Since the snow here isn’t like back home, falling snow, it’s generally much harder. The snow blows in and drifts, and drifts in tight. I can feel the difference when running the dozer.
As of late I have been working on pushing out the pile of winter snow that has accumulated around Phoenix town. Over winter, they move the snow away from the buildings and pile it up. Over the summer we have to push that pile out flat to make room for next years snow. For the last week I have been pushing this snow.
But it also drifts around the piles of snow. I have been running a Cat D8 and I can feel the difference when trying to push through drifted snow. The machine struggles and most of the time starts to slide as it tries to break through the drift. The snow that’s been pilled is much softer and easier to push through. Nature is so cool!
The sea ice will be melting soon and more wildlife will be coming close!! Once I get an opportunity to take some better photos you’ll get to see too!!
Life here in Antarctica is the same as at home but different. Same because it’s daily life. All the same things; work, home, sleep. What makes it different?
For me the difference starts with routine. While for me a routine at home in the States was necessary, it was only an inconvenience if I forgot something. A day without music or podcasts if I forgot my headphones. Here it could lead to physical injury, or death. Remember the gloves, the extra gloves, the beanie, the under layers, the extra under layers, the down jacket (known here as Big Red because it’s big and red!), etc. Oh, and most days sunglasses. Good lord it’s bright when the sun is out. Forget anything and the day can be very very bad. It’s been consistently below zero, so climbing in and out of a machine; the exterior is at ambient temperature. No gloves and you grab metal that’s below zero. Forget the beanie and your ears freeze if you’re out for more than a few minutes.
Think about all the things you need in subzero temperatures to stay warm and safe for hours. It’s not often that we (my department) are outside, but breakdowns can happen and the rescue team could be hours away. Meaning you have to stay warm until they get to you. This is, of course, worst case scenario… Okay, let me say that again.
When working near town you could be out in the cold for a few hours. When out on a traverse or remote camp, it could take days to get rescued. So like a Boy Scout, preparation is key.
Bringing this back around to me, because that’s what this is all about… ME!! But I must have routine in order to make sure that I collect all the gear I will need for the day. I work at Phoenix Airfield, which is about a 30 minute drive away. We do have buildings to get into if needed, but If I am out on the runway and break down it could be up to a two mile walk to get to airfield town. Out on the ice shelf the wind is almost always blowing, so there’s almost always a windchill. And, it’s amazing how quickly it takes the heat out of you.
All that said my day starts differently than it used to. I am no longer interested in checking Facebook or Instagram or emails, or texts first thing. My focus is on the routine of showering and getting ready for the day. The most important thing is checking the temperature and windchill along with the weather forecast. Weather here is like weather anywhere, just colder! Things can change quickly, however we have miles and miles of sky to look at to see what’s coming. This gives us 30 minutes to an hour to prepare. But again, the morning prep is the most important. Having extra socks/gloves and under layers. Making sure I have my baclava, beanie and hand warmers (Thank you Shawn & Will). Making sure I have my sweatshirt, light jacket and Big Red. Making sure I will be okay for a few hours in the elements if need be. Chances of that happening are slim, but there is always a chance. Oh, and I forgot… goggles, having goggles just in case. They help block the wind/protect skin and they keep the dust out of the eyes. Yes, there’s a fair amount of volcanic dust being blown around.
To me, the morning routine is the most important part of the day, where I must focus. Because, any distraction can take me out of the process and I’ll overlook something. Could be as mundane as no headphones, or as detrimental as forgetting Big Red. While I don’t wear that coat often anymore, I might need it for a long walk one day.
After the shower and dressing and making sure all my gear is in my pack and head to breakfast. The galley is pretty good for food service food. I have only had a couple meals that were meh. For the most part there is great flavor and variety. To make you jealous (okay, it won’t make you jealous because you have all the meat you want) we will be having ribeye for brunch today. Sunday brunches are something to look forward to!! But the regular breakfast is generally scrambled eggs, a typical breakfast meat, over night oats, potatoes, canned fruit, etc. There is also a section where we can get eggs made to order, but that line is generally long and I don’t give myself the time. After breakfast and a cup of coffee it’s a phone call with Ruffles. We discuss… haha, I’m not telling!
After the phone call I wander my happy ass to work. About a 1/4 mile walk up to the Fleet Ops shop and wait for the morning meeting. This is a chaotic discussion about the days events. Most of it, like most meetings, does not pertain to to us out at the airfield. Then we make the 30ish minute drive from “the rock”, Ross Island, out onto the ice shelf to the air field.
Once there we fire up the equipment we need for the day. And the days vary from runway maintenance to helping other departments with their tasks to road maintenance… As an example we had to move some sleds, about the size of a short tractor trailer, because they were still buried in the snow from the storm. They were going to go to the cargo department to transport car from the airfield to town. But they were in a hole about two feet lower than the surrounding area. They can’t just be pulled out, the skis freezing to the ground. So they have to get dug out by machine and hand and then “popped” out of the ice before they can be pulled. Multiply that process by six sleds. After they are moved the holes have to be filled in and smoothed. Otherwise someone is going to drive into it during a moment of flat light.
If you have never experienced flat light, it’s when the sky is overcast and you cannot see any contour of the land/snow. You can be driving down the snow road and hit a massive drift you could not see. Everything looks flat, which is probably where the term “flat light” comes from! That’s my guess, because we humans either make up a crazy weird term for something or the most boring term ever!!
After nine hours out at the airfield either maintaining or supporting flights we return to town for dinner and for me, bed. Most people here socialize and do evening events. As I said in the previous post, I haven’t met people I really want to hang out with yet. I also haven’t tried. I’m also curbing my alcohol intake, it’s been 21 days. I had my last drink in New Zealand and I have been just fine with it! The bars here used to serve alcohol but have since stopped. They now only have NA drinks and each person has to bring their own alcohol.
Funny thing is they are trying to limit the amount some people drink, because you know… those individuals that can’t control themselves. But the alcohol in the store is cheaper than buying back in the states. The NA is even cheaper. I say, if you want to limit drinking make it expensive!!
There is an Alphabet Mafia (my term not theirs) movie night here, however I am supposed to be changing shifts, meaning I won’t be able to go to it or any event event during the week. Sucks to suck!!
But, that is a typical day.
As I’m writing this I am in a bar, called Southern Exposure, which is currently serving coffee. Great thing, the coffee is free. Even specialty foo-foo drinks I like mochas or whatnot. What makes this place different is the people who volunteer to help out. So today, the barista is a kiwi named Cody. He makes a great mocha with the limited resources. Biggest thing is the lack of milk here. So they make these mixed drinks with powdered milk. It’s indeed different, but still good!
That’s another thing about here. Everything is everyones job. Stairs need some shoveling, do it. Cup try in the galley is empty, take it to the dish pit, floor needs a vacuum, vacuum it. Trash needs taken out… take it out.
It’s also Sunday, a day almost everyone has off. It’s the day everyone wants a washer and drier!! It’s the day everyone sleeps in because they partied too hard last night. Here, apparently, we work hard and play hard! God only knows what time my roommates came in last night. I was passed out by 9 PM and woke at 7 AM. I was able to sleep in, so that’s my win and reward for the week!
Here is my little slice of heaven on the bottom of the Earth:
I was the last of the four in this room, so I got the bunkbed. Thankfully I’m not number five or I would have gotten the top bunk and a room full of guys that hate me for the number of times I have to get up to pee!! None the less there is very little space here. Three drawers and a large upper cabinet and a small night stand with three small drawers.
As you can see I made it more home with Ducky and Lamb Chop and of course a frame with Ruffles and I. Seeing him here with me every day is so amazing. Of course this does not mean the rest of you are less meaningful, just a different meaning! He has captured my heart and I really enjoy that. So, he is here with me in spirit and in photo form!! The rest of you are in my thoughts more than you know. I also created a little cave with extra sheets to block out the light while I sleep.
Not an ideal situation but I have had much worse roommates in the past. And much worst neighbors in employee housing. There was Valleyfair where the three asian boys I shared a room with took over everything; the mini fridge filled with five gallons of milk and the rest of their groceries in the middle of the floor where they remained until used. And the couple in Montana that beat the crap out of each other and destroyed their room in the process.
All things considered this is a great place overall. Not great for everyone. I would not want to live like this long term, but for a few months… for five months, it’ll be a-okay. And, next year I get better housing. This is the “newbie shit hole housing” that’s much better than I anticipated. The showers are hot and the water has so much pressure it’ll rip your skin off!!
Speaking of the water, have I mentioned it’s salty? Our potable water is desalinized ocean water, but still has a slight salt taste to it!
The top bunk will be filled during vessel, when the ship comes. I feel sorry for that guy and myself when that happens. Hopefully that’s a short time.
Bonus, the mattress is very comfortable. Double bonus, any bed bugs and the mattress just goes outside for a couple days and they’re all dead! I have not had any bed bug problems. Another bonus, there are no bug here whatsoever!!
Three days later we were still not quite ready with the runway. One more day and we will be!! The storm was indeed a doozy. Some actual snow accumulation but mostly wind and wind and wind. Gusts were over 70 MPH with sustained winds from 30-50 MPH for most of the storm.
Some of the drifts around “town” (the airfield buildings) are about 10 feet tall with most of them at least four to five feet tall and 100’ long. Moving that amount snow is a process in itself.
But first, we had to get the equipment dug out and cleaned out by hand before it can be started and used. It took one day and all hands on deck for that. The machines out at the airfield were almost completely buried.
After they are exposed, the engines need to be cleaned out as well. The snow has the amazing ability to get into the engine compartment and pack in every nook and cranny. It builds up around the pulleys, belts, and fan. Starting the engine will break the belts or fan.
A couple guys found that out prematurely starting a dozer. That machine is inoperable until that belt can be replaced. Here, if the part is not on hand it can take weeks to months to years to get a part.
Then there are the inevitable equipment failures. Diesels and hydraulic systems do not like to operate in the cold. Hoses break, engines have issues, air filters clog with snow, etc. Normally a single block heater is used for a diesel in the cold. Here most machines have a block heater, battery blanket, transmission, and hydraulic heater.
On the first day of cleanup three of three tractors failed. On the second day, two of two failed. On day three one of two failed. That one was down and stuck in place for two days before maintenance could get it running again.
Four days after the storm and we are almost ready for a plane to land… almost. We have had flights scheduled and cancelled all week due to weather and runway maintenance.
After a few days we were ready to have a plane land and fly back North again. And that flight was a success. Cargo and about 120 people arrived. About 300 more people are still waiting to come to the Ice.
It took about four complete passes with the “goose” a makeshift pull behind grader, the groomers also makeshift leveling implements, and the weight cart. It’s a heavy SOB used to compact the surface to support the heavy aircraft that fly in and out. 270,000 pounds to be exact.
The snow was thick in spots and stripped off the ice in others. It’s our goal to have as level and consistent a surface as possible.
Testing is done on a frequent basis to ensure the planes can safely land. Thankfully, this isn’t in my work description!! My boss, also brand new to this job has to learn everything we have to do. Plus all the testing and reporting! Sucks to suck!!
But, overall it’s still a great experience being here. Learning new equipment, new skills, and making new acquaintances. So far I haven’t meet anyone I want to hang out with. My roommates are a different story, we sleep together after all!!
In the same room, not the same bed, you sicko!!
It is interesting though; the sun is on the northern horizon, and I forget that daily!! I keep saying the wrong directions for our runway it runs north-south. I keep thinking the end away from the sun is the north end.
The sun currently still sets, but super late. For example tonight 10/19/25 sunset is at 11:55PM and sunrise is at 3:33AM. If vegetation grew here, they’d be growing like crazy… until the seasonal shift. Where it’s more dark than light until total darkness. Then it’d die!!
It’s daylight from before I wake up until after I go to bed. It is beneficial that we don’t have windows in our room. It’s almost completely dark. A bit of light from under the door is usually all. Unless we leave the television on. Each room has a television to let us know weather conditions. It also has a few military movie channels. I haven’t watched, but it sounds like terrible!! I only watch the weather, people, and the process for the job. At some point I’ll watch a little bit of wildlife; seals and penguins!! I’m excited for some better photos. What I have now are just black blobs on the ice. Looks like a long oval rock! But they are seals! I swear.
That weather I mentioned, is apparently on its way. According to our on site meteorologists, it’s going to be a doozy.
Before the storm we had to move all our equipment from the airfield to our shop. That means driving the machines ten (give or take) miles. We groomed the road as we drive back to the transition. I understand bringing the equipment in, but the groomers, I’m not sure why! Maybe they get less buried at the transition than they would out near the airfield. It took about an hour to get to the transition, the place where the ice and land meet. We dropped the groomers there and brought the tractors to our shop.
I’m excited for this storm. It’s called a “herbie”, combination hurricane and snow storm. The winds are supposed to get into the 70’s MPH with sustained winds in the 50 MPH range. Looks like we won’t be working for a day or two. Then, after the storm, a mad dash to get the runway and road ready for the next flights… which are also going to be delayed due to this storm. But yes, excited for it!!
After the storm we have to make sure there’s no packed snow around moving engine parts; the fan, belts, drive shafts, etc. Apparently the snow gets itself everywhere during a storm.
But it’s Tuesday. The storm rolled in Monday afternoon. It’s supposed to last until the end of today, maybe into Wednesday. We are currently in a Condition 1. Which means we stay inside our buildings. I’m lucky and my dorm is attached to the galley, so I have food. For those in other buildings that didn’t plan ahead, hope they have made friends that’ll share!
The wind is blowing the snow so much so that visibility is less than 100’. From what I’ve been told it doesn’t technically snow here, we are in a desert. The snow blows in and drifts. I can’t wait to see how much work will need to be done after the storm. As I’ve said, we have several flights that were delayed previous, and now delayed further with this storm. So getting them here ASAP will be important.
On a side note, I can send and receive mail. It does take a long time for mail to come through. It’s last priority on the aircraft’s, which is where the delay comes. Letter size mail comes faster than oversized or packages, those can take months to arrive. If you have an interest in my address here, please text me and I’ll respond with my address.
A few quick shots I’ve gotten so far. Some of the breathtaking scenery here. If you have questions please ask!
After days of training there’s still more training. The highlight, I may have a work location, only time will tell. As of now I am learning how to maintain a runway for wheeled aircraft. Not a runway as you’d think; but one that is made of snow and ice. It’s on the “shelf” a section of sea that never melt. I’ve been told the ice is about 100’ thick. We drive heavy equipment on the shelf with no fear of breaking through.
And as a matter of clarification; “ice” is used as a general term for Antarctica. As in “So, you got a job and you’re going to the ice?” The permanent sea ice is called “the shelf”. This place is crazy weird in the different names everything has. A culmination of old terms, military terms, government terms, nicknames… etc.
I am obviously a beginner in this field, but running full force with an open mind to learn what the end product is to be and how to achieve it. The equipment generally used are tractors equipped with tracks. Behind them we pull grooming and leveling implements. What to use and when, I still have no clue!! I will get there at some point.
The runway is two miles long and it takes at least half a day to groom it. It’s a constant maintenance program to keep blowing/drifting snow leveled out before a plane is capable of landing. In general there are two flights a week on this runway, however it may be used by other aircraft if needed. On top of that we have ten miles of road to also maintain in the same regard; packing, scraping, and grooming. These roads drift quite a bit and some drivers can’t seem to stay out of the deep snow. This causes problems with other vehicles. The road is wide, very wide. Probably as wide as a four lane highway wide. It’s used for both machines and vehicles. These roads are marked by flags along one side. Get off the road and you’re stuck!! Apparently this happens often and we, as in my department, have to go rescue these people and vehicles! As the driver, you have to know what mile you’re in so that if a problem occurs you can relay your location. There’s no GPS here, so the less information you can give about your location, the longer it takes to get rescued. In good weather travel is easy. In bad weather, it’s a challenge and the flags are very important. In severe weather, you park and wait until you can see the flags again. I have not experienced this yet, but it’s going to happen!
Simple things we don’t really think about in the real world. But here a pleasant day can turn deadly with little to no warning. When we are out of town (McMurdo) we have emergency survival bags loaded to keep two people alive for three days. Two people that know what they are doing in the cold. Again, I’m a beginner. So, I have much to learn, and my life depends on it. Not trying to sound dramatic, because most of the summer is good weather, unlike winters.
That’s what makes this place a great community. Everyone here knows that at any moment things can go wrong and everyone capable is needed to help. Again, I’m learning, but how things are done here is much greater than American society. More on that later!
But it’s still an amazing place. The landscape is like nothing else I’ve ever seen. A desert of snow and ice with mountains and an active volcano! I’m excited to see how things change over the summer. From looking out across the ocean, currently frozen solid. To looking out over the ocean when it’s melted and moving.
The seals are coming closer and supposedly a few penguins have already been spotted. I’ll keep my eyes out and hope to get a few terrible photos.
We are not allowed to go close to wildlife. Big no no and a great way to get sent home with a large fine. So, I’m not going to attempt!!
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.
Pneuma came about in 2020 as a result of loneliness. But he’s developed due to the amazing culture the pup community has. Not everyone will experience this, nor does this pawsitivity exist in all areas. But that’s where Pneuma came from and will continue to exude.
This site was created to keep those who choose in the loop on his life and adventures. So check back on occasion especially over the next few months, while he’s in Antarctica. (Oct 2024-Feb 2025)
As he or his human counterpart can, pages/posts will be made. He will miss you all, but this is the best way to keep in touch. Both pup and human will post!! Ya, ya, it’s all just J, but the illusion is fun.
Pneuma’s Adventures