Pole Flight! - Leg 5 of 5

I got a ride out of McMurdo! And on the Basler! Now for those of you that might have doubted that I'm really in Antarctica and really flying around the continent in a hot rod DC-3. I give you my first official "Hero Shot" (term used for pics of yourself frolicking on the ice)

By the way, we are on ice that is over water not land. After all of our bags got loaded we were shown our seats. Fortunately there were only four of us on this flight to the South Pole aside from the crew of three. There was plenty of room and windows to look out of. Once settled in we started down to the ice runway for takeoff. The Slip'n Slide for airplanes and off we went. What a ride!

More Polies!

I quickly found out that the cabins in these hot rods are not pressurized meaning that you WILL feel the altitude. Fortunately there were oxygen ports that one could plug into with provided tubing and nose gear similar to what you would get at the hospital. I opted out as did the two other gents settling for the altitude acclimation that would occur during the 4 1/2 hr. flight over the Trans-Antarctic mountain range and on to the South Pole Station sitting at 10,000 feet elevation. 

Along the way we saw some marvelous works of nature. Glaciers that have been moving for thousands of years, mountains that in some cases may be as tall as Everest but just have the tops showing since the rest is swallowed by the ice.

At one point the crew chief indicated that we had been flying at 10,000 feet for some time and that soon we would be climbing to 13,000 feet to clear the mountain range. We were feeling the altitude. Breathing became a conscious effort, elevated heart rates were felt and a general feeling of tiredness overcame the body. The only thing that kept me going was the sheer amazement and adrenaline running through my veins as I looked below realizing that no person had ever set foot on any of what I saw. Truly a moving experience.

At 13,000 feet I snapped the above image as we cleared the mountain range through a passage. At this point we were feeling the full brunt of the thin oxygen we were breathing. It got much colder so more layers went on and we kept hydrating, drinking lots of water as it helps when at altitude and extreme dryness. You are probably wondering why the black paint on the wings. Well, black absorbs heat and the fuel tanks in most planes are in the wings. This helps keep the fuel from turning into a gel that would not circulate through the fuel system to the engines.

Next Post? At The South Pole!

On the Ice at McMurdo Station - Part Deux

So, I'm still here! In McMurdo on my 3rd day now. I was scheduled to leave for the South Pole yesterday (second attempt) and the flight got scrubbed. Flight Ops is prioritizing getting folks off ice from remote field camps and making fuel runs where needed. One plane is down with mechanical issues, which is apparently normal around here. Putting things into perspective, one of my roommates (yes, we have roommates here, 4 to a room for those just transiting through) just got back from a West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS) field camp and mentioned that on his deployment out he had to spend a whole month at McMurdo before getting to his field camp. Guess I can't complain...

Last night Flight Ops asked if I would consider flying out to Pole on a Basler (a DC-3 on steroids) and I accepted the offer since that would be like showing up to prom in a '67 Corvette. This morning that flight got scrubbed and now I'm back on the board awaiting the availability of a C-130, the same type plane that I flew in on from NZ.

From the looks of it there are 6 of us going to Pole as most of the team left on the flight that I and others got bumped from. In the meantime I get to relax and enjoy the sights, not to mention the grub. By far the most hard working folks here are those that operate the Galley or Dinning Facility or Chow Hall or whatever else you would like to call it. Most call it the Galley as that name has carried over from the days when the Navy ran the show in Antarctica. They work almost round the clock preparing food for the 1000 on station. Not an easy job. Oh, and there is also a barber on station among other things. Got myself a clip yesterday :)

Next Post? Pole Flight - Leg 5 of 5 (I hope)

On the Ice at McMurdo Station

Last night around 9 pm our flight form NZ arrived in Antarctica. The landing on the ice was interesting on the ski equipped C-130. Shortly after landing we were taken into town (or "Mac Town" as it is referred to by those that spend time here) for more orientations, room assignments and more. It took 40 minutes to travel from the runway to the station. Once settled in I walked outside of the dorm building to take a look at the surrounding scenery, it was now 11:30 pm and broad daylight. Amazing!

McMurdo looks like an old mining town/outpost in the middle of nowhere with it's dirt roads crisscrossed power lines and utility vehicles moving cargo from place to place. It is a 24/7 operation. There are always people working. My transit through Mac Town will be short as I will be departing for the South Pole tomorrow, weather permitting. My flight was to be today but I and others got bumped so room could be made for some DVs (distinguished visitors). I got bumped! Well, the perfect travel streak could not go on forever. At least it gives me a day to rest and reorganize some gear.

Next Post? Pole Flight - Leg 5 of 5

Ice Flight - Leg 4 of 5

This morning I got the ominous call, "Your ice flight has been delayed 2 hrs". There is still a group hanging around with 2 canceled attempts due to weather in Antarctica. Now our group is in line behind them for a flight.

At 10:30 am we all gathered at the CDC from where we would be transported to the flight line next door. After some orientation videos, final weigh-in and security screenings we learned that the first flight got out. Good news as this increased our chances of departing same day. Sure enough! We boarded a bus and headed to the flight line next door to where the ski outfitted C-130 transports are parked.

The flight from Christchurch NZ to McMurdo Station on Ross Island Antarctica is mostly handled by the larger jet engine transport the C-17. This late in the season the lighter propeller planes are used since the ice is not as frozen as it would normally be when the larger planes land. The ICE runway is between Ross Island and mainland Antarctica. You guessed it! Over water...

We boarded the transport and got as comfortable as one could possibly get on a cargo plane of this type. I miss Qantas already. Once everyone was situated, bags secured and cargo strapped the plane started it's engines. These things are loud! knowing this I brought along some electronic hearing protection and still had to double up using earplugs. No matter what you cannot escape the roaring hum of those massive prop engines. Once at the end of the runway the engines spooled up while the pilot held down the breaks getting the engines to the optimum RPMs needed for take off. The plane lurched forward and shook like it was angry about being held back. Suddenly the breaks were released and we were off! Another long flight..8 hrs.

I'm sure that by now you know that I like looking out the window when I fly. At times we may see things few people ever get to see. The 7th continent:

Next Post? On the Ice at McMurdo Station

Time at the CDC

No, not that CDC. Nothing is wrong with me (some might argue that). The Clothing Distribution Center (aka the CDC) in Christchurch NZ is where everyone going to Antarctica as part of the United States Antarctic Program (USAP) gets issued the required extreme cold weather gear (ECW). This is also where ALL of your gear is weighed to ensure compliance. Remember the post on packing for the trip? Yeah, here is where it counts.

You are issued a lot of gear and have the opportunity to try it for fit and function, exchanging as needed. In the end my total gear check-in weight was 104 lbs. That did not include the gear I would have to wear on the flight to Antarctica and my personal carry-on. 104 lbs out of a total of 110 lbs allowed! I'm definitely going to assess what I'm taking against what I will use over the course of this deployment. Others that I met were close to the limit as well and they (in some cases) had multiple deployments served.

I found the duct tape :)

Next Post? Ice Flight - Leg 4 of 5

The Flight South - Leg 3 of 5

Time flies when in a comfortable lounge being pampered with excellent service. It was time for us to board yet another plane. This time to Christchurch NZ on a no frills 737. So I thought. Another Qantas operated flight and the crew did not disappoint. Not only was the crew and service to brag about but the plane wasn't full! There was no one next to me in my row affording much more room and comfort. The flight took off on time if not a few minutes early. Once in the air it was time for more window gazing when I noticed yet another beautiful sky. This time at dusk with a rising full moon.

On this flight I met another two Polies in rout to the ice. We were all converging in NZ for our final few flights to the South Pole. We arrived in NZ at 11 PM local time. A this point we would have to recover our baggage that had been checked through from our airports of departure. I hoped to see both of my checked bags as this would be a good thing. Found them! They looked like they had been around the world and not treated very well in the process. My rolling hard case showed signs of stress, structural stress. It took a beating. Who has the duct tape?

After gathering my bags I took everything through NZ customs and immigration where I secured the 12 month visa needed for my winter deployment to Antarctica. From there it was on to the hotel for some much needed rest. The hotel sits just across from the airport and next door to the Antarctic Center. I walked to the hotel underestimating the power of the 101 LBS of gear I would have to lug to the hotel. It kicked my butt.

Next Post? Time at the CDC (Clothing Distribution Center)

The Flight South - Leg 2 of 5

After having spent a good 12 hrs in LA I boarded a 747-400 at 11:50 PM local time for the 14 hr flight from LA to Sydney on the 2nd leg working my way south to Antarctica. One big plane.

At this point I had gone 24 hrs without any sleep on purpose. Why would anyone do that? My logic was that the 14 hr flight to Sydney would arrive at 9 AM local time. I could sleep on the flight and arrive "refreshed" in Sydney, resetting my internal clock adjusting to the drastic time changes.

The plane was packed to the gills. Not one seat was left empty. I slept intermittently for a few hrs here and there in a small cramped seat making the best of it. The Qantas crew was impecable with their service and attention to detail. Something that has been missing from US carriers for decades. Truly an enjoyable experience.

Morning came sooner than expected providing yet more time to gaze out at the beautiful skies.

Before I knew it we were on final approach into Sydney.

Once in Sydney I meet up with another Polie (persons working at the South Pole) and we proceeded to the Qantas Club lounge on the upper level of the airport. Yes, another lounge, and this one was much nicer than the one in LA! We were joined by our recruiting coordinator from Denver and enjoyed a very relaxing day before our next flight leaving that evening at 6:45 PM local time to Christchurch NZ. The spoiling continued.

Next Post? The Flight South - Leg 3 of 5

Escaping Snowmageddon 2016 The Flight South - Leg 1 of 5

Yeah, that's right. I got out of the DC area just in time! I had been tracking that monster for days leading up to my flight. That flight, the first leg of my trip south from IAD to LAX had been scheduled for Friday (today) at 5PM. Everything I looked at for days told me that it was not going to happen.

I often review weather reports for project specific activities and this time my senses were tingling. Maybe it was the fact of having many connecting flights to get to the South Pole. 15,000  miles of flights! I was lucky enough to have switched the 5 PM flight for the first flight out of DC before everyone else figured it out. The flight that would depart today before the snow monster arrived. Thursday night I got notice of the cancellation for the original 5 PM flight. By the time I arrived at the airport this morning flights were being canceled from SC up at a steady clip. My flight came in from LA and was flying back to LA with me on it!

Window seats are my preference. I like taking in the beauty of the crisp blue skies, the clouds in all of their variations and the ocasional plane that seems to be flying WAY to close. Today I got a few never before seen treats. The Rockies from 20+ thousand feet:

 And the Grand Canyon:

Suddenly I realized that with all of the splendor to be seen within this country I was on my way to Antarctica for a cold dark winter. COOL!

LAX, holy moly! Now this is one crazy airport. There are buses that run you from terminal to terminal that have to stop for planes. Big planes and they are everywhere!

I took a bus from terminal 6 to terminal 4 where the AA Club is (very nice) since I would have a 12 hr layover. Best few bucks spent on travel ever. The same buses will take you to the international terminal with a valid boarding pass without having to deal with going through security again. Sweet!
Did I mention that these "clubs " have showers? Nice ones too. And free food and beverage..Yeah, I'm spoiled.



Next Post? The Flight South - Leg 2 of 5

Packing For The Journey

Argg! I hate packing. It’s even more of a pain when figuring being away for more than eight months. Last time I did this it was off to boot camp and beyond. Uncle Sam made it easy by letting me know not to bring ANYTHING but about 10 select items. Easy day.

This time I got a weight allowance! 110 LBS of gear plus carry-on to the South Pole, but that includes the issued extreme cold weather gear, about 15 LBS. Well, what’s the problem? This should be easy. Who needs to take 85 LBS of anything to Antarctica? So I set off to go as “light” as possible only planning on taking the bare minimum. I started with the required cold weather undies, socks and misc. items that are no longer issued but needed to deploy. Then moved on to my everyday clothing, footwear, toiletries, electronic whatever’s and so on. I had piles all over the place and kept adding and removing to them as I reassessed the situation or depending on the amount of coffee had at that particular moment.

Once done making all of my piles and going through them a few times it was time to pack up the goods and weigh things out. I had planned for two checked bags (duffle and medium hard case roller), a backpack and a computer case (man bag) for carry on. What could possibly go wrong? Keep the bags to a minimum, keep the piles light and drive on. Right?

The final tally (after removing items) was as follows:

1.       Duffle bag came in at 38 LBS, with mainly clothing in it. Not bad!

2.       Rolling hard case came in at 35 LBS, toiletries and misc. items. Doing good!!! Right?

3.       Backpack came in at….17 LBS..Ok, let me explain that one. The plan was that if I didn't see my checked bags until arriving in Antarctica I could live out of my backpack for several days of travel. It happens.

4.       Computer bag with charger, misc. documentation and other gadgets. 11 LBS I know, right? I have a Lenovo, a 14” at that!

So, what does all this mean? 73 LBS of checked bags through South Pole and the rest carry-on, unless I put some in the duffle bag since there is still a bit of room in it. I have a total of 101 LBS of, everything…So much for traveling light!

Next post? Flying Out of DC 1st Leg.