Category Archives: Uncategorized

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.