90° S, full speed ahead.

Boondoggle \ˈbün-ˌdä-gəl, -ˌdȯ-\

: a wasteful or impractical project or activity often involving graft

or... we can just call it a "Morale Trip."  The definition of that sounds a little nicer.  I'd like to think I was awarded the opportunity to travel to the South Pole based purely on my work ethic and because a morale boost at this point in the season is always welcomed. 


The trip was absolutely amazing.  I had a great group of people on my flight and we had a blast.  


Due to some connections I've made down here- I was invited up onto the flight deck to spend the remainder of our flight into South Pole station in the cockpit.  Besides having a great view as we descended, I was able to listen to all radio communications between the pilot, co-pilot, navigator, engineer and South Pole station ops... but my favorite part was the hilarious banter between the flight crew.  Definitely got some good laughs in- and apparently I have a nice radio voice!

Once we landed and deplaned, we had approximately 30 minutes to run out to the ceremonial pole and take pictures, run to the geographical south pole and take pictures and then squeeze in a quick tour of the actual station... which I must say is quite nice.  But they deserve it down there- Polies are only allowed a couple short showers a week and it's dang cold.

The trip was short, but definitely sweet.  The ride home was uneventful, but beautiful; a fantastic combination. 

When we were in range of McMurdo, we learned that there were 20 knot cross winds.  This isn't an ideal condition for landing, so the pilot decided to take us on a quick tour of the ice edge.  Due to turbulence, we had to seat ourselves, so I wasn't able to get any good shots in- but that's okay.  The plane finally touched ground and the load master opened up the back end of the plane to give us a quick peak as we taxied to our final resting point.

We deplaned for our final time, hungry and tired.  My friend Lindsey and I decided to eat dinner at the runway galley and catch a different shuttle back into town.  This worked to our advantage... there is a molting Emperor penguin at the 8 mile marker who loves attention.  We stopped and took a couple pictures of our new friend.  He was sad to see us go- he squawked, flapped his wings in contempt and then flopped down on his belly as we drove away.  It was as if he was throwing a tantrum- silly penguin!

Sometimes it can be hard to remember to appreciate the beauty that surrounds you when you're caught up in day to day life- even in Antarctica.  It's little things like glittering fog, the sound of silence or a massive volcano looming before you that can give you a gentle nudge to always enjoy your surroundings- always take a few extra seconds to appreciate the beauty we're given, and always have fun doing it.

ahoy.

Yeah.


I know.


I'm terrible.


Okay, so perhaps my blogging skills are sub-par and I'll never be a famous, full time blog-o-nerd... but I'm going to keep persevering until I come somewhat close.  Scout's Honor... just for my loyal readers.  Er, reader. [Hey Dad!!]


I finally made it down to Antarctica- series of events have occurred and that leaves us with the new year.  I will catch you up at some point, but let's live life in the here and now- let us be present.


The new year started off strange- but so does almost everything down here in always-sunny-upside-down-land.  People lost their dignity [don't worry, I found it outside of one of the bars- yes... that is *your* bra hanging on the metal post, right?], some lost peer respect and a select few just had a hands down good time.  I was the latter.  Once I saw how inebriated my fellow McMurdoites were, I felt the fogginess lift.  That's when I started taking blackmail pictures- teehee.  I had champagne, toasted new friends, toasted old friends- I even partook in some dancing [OK- maybe I wasn't stone cold sober...]- typical New Year's Eve, just 100% sun outside and zero drunk drivers to be weary of.

Moving on, it is now that part of Summer where we start talking re-deployment.  Re-deployment is the travel back to our starting point.  For some, this is a time of excitement; hammering down final travel plans with new found friends (or lovahs), packing and getting ready to jet off this rock.  For me, well, I have a tiny inkling of whats to come.  I'm desperately looking forward to getting home.  I'm packing up what's left in Vegas, and Tessie and I are headin' back to the Great Northwest.  But, thus far- it's all I've got.  There is a beer festival in New Zealand ~3 days after I am supposed to fly back into Christchurch.  Coincidence?  I think not- but we shall see.  I hate to waste the opportunity to travel- so even a couple days should satisfy that urge.  


Don't fret- like I promised, I will keep you updated.