Clothing Distribution Center (the main storage area)

Today we had an exciting visit to the Antarctic Clothing Distribution Center (CDC). Here we got some orientation first about what to expect tomorrowfor our deployment (basically being squished like sardines into a bit military airplane for 8 hours), how to be smart and protect the pristine and amazing environment of Antarctica, rules and regulations about living there, dangers and hazards that the harsh climate poses on us, and how to protect the fauna and flora from us people. Then our computers were inspected and some of us got their flu vaccinations (which is a must have when going to Antarctica).

Barbara picking up her 2 orange duffel bags

After that we went to try out and on our Extreme Cold Weather gear (or ECW gear). We each got 2 bright orange/red duffle bags filled with clothes that were issued to us to help keep us protected from the cold. Those bags contained the super thick big red parka (so very comfy although it does make you feel like a Michelin Man), wind jackets and pants, lots of mittens and gloves, hats and balaclavas, fleece pants and jackets, goggles, and white bunny boots. It was a lot of fun to test and try everything on, even though it was a sweaty and hot undertaking. We made sure all our gear fit correctly, wasn’t damaged (the gear gets re-used), and worked properly (for example the zipper). This meant that we had to exchange a lot of gear back and forth until we found the proper ones. The “bunny boots” were my personal favorite, not only because they do look like proper astronaut Moon boots but also because they are so comfy and warm! Tomorrow we will have to wear a lot of the gear on our flight to Antarctica. Most of us have to pack and re-pack our bags so they will comply with the rules and regulations. Tomorrow’s pick-up time is 05:45am to get to the CDC for the bag checks and then then we are (hopefully) off to the icy continent.

Juliane in her big red parka and her favorite new shoes “bunny boots”

We also met a lot of other people today, scientists and support staff alike, who will be deployed to Antarctica with us at the same time and we already made new friends. This will be an exciting adventure for us and we are all pumped and can’t wait to go. But first we will enjoy a wonderful dinner tonight and the next post will hopefully be from the ice.

-Juliane from Christchurch, NZ; 11/29/17 at 6:10pm