Ice Arrival

So, due to our terrible internet service in Antarctica, I wasn't able to keep up with my blog.  Now that I'm back home, I'll take you through my trip.  I arrived October 24th at Pegasus Ice Runway via C-17 from Christchurch, NZ

Pegasus Ice Runway 24 Oct 16

Upon landing, everyone is loaded into a vehicle, either a large tire bus nicknamed "Ivan the Terra bus" or a Kress which is a large trailer with seats. Neither are known for their smooth ride or super speed.  I was incredibly lucky and didn't have to ride either because someone was kind enough to pick me up in a van.  Talk about VIP treatment!

Ivan

Kress

On the 10-12 mile ride to McMurdo Station, you are treated to some spectacular scenery, like Mt Erebus, an active volcano with an open lava pit at the top.  You can barely see the steam cloud rising from the top in the picture below. There is also an great view of Castle Rock, which I will talk about more in another post

Mt Erebus

Castle Rock

The ride to McMurdo Station also takes you past Scott Base; which houses the New Zealand Antarctic program. Observation hill is in the background and in another post, I'll show you the climb to the top.  Scott Base and McMurdo Station are only about 3 miles from each other, basically separated by Observation Hill.

Scott Base

Once we arrived at McMurdo Station, we were sent to our dorm to get keys and get settled in our rooms.

Building 206, my new home for 45 days

Building 206, Room 213 to be exact

2 person rooms, sharing a toilet and shower with the next door neighbors

Rm 213

 Don't be jealous of the 5 star accommodations!  If you like sleeping in a twin bed, in a room that smells like puke and has carpet that needs some serious cleaning, then this is the place for you!  So, now you have seen a little of the arrival process.  I'll take you on a tour of the station in my next post.  Stay tuned!