2012 ANTARCTICA: TAKE TWO - Christchurch, New Zealand

2012 - Antarctica: Take Two

At the Clothing Distribution Center (CDC) in Christchurch, NZ trying on all of my special issue extreme weather gear. Strict weight limitations apply to luggage - your weight, your gear and all carry-on items are recorded just before you board the flight to McMurdo Station, Antarctica. Strike a pose.

Below, an interesting geographical perspective: looking closely you can see Christchurch, NZ is lit up, as well as McMurdo and the South Pole.

A little hint at what is to come. Hopefully, penguins. Sometimes participants of the United States Antarctic Program are lucky enough to see these creatures near the station and elsewhere on the sea ice during various forms of work and research. Fingers crossed.

A surprising and popular facial creme in New Zealand... I'm happy to say that it is no longer made from actual placenta - but now from plant products instead.

A final lovely airport meal after nearly 40 hours of travel. One more night in a hotel and then a 5 am check-in time for another final 5 to 6 hours of flight time to our final destination: McMurdo, Antarctica.