MADE IT

We made it to Punta Arenas and we are now on the boat. The vessel will sail on Sunday to Palmer Station. Glad we got away from the east coast in time. Will update more soon.

SNOW!

Well, there is a massive snow storm on the East Coast hindering our travel plans. I sure hope we don't miss the boat in Chile!

I was hoping to not see snow until I was actually IN Antarctica...

3 days till the adventure begins!

I got some new hiking boots, smartwool socks, and warm weather gloves from my parents. Bring on the cold weather!

T minus 72 hours, and counting...

Tickets

Quick update: We got our plane tickets this week!

Raytheon Polar Services Company is the government contractor that organizes all US Antarctic research. They are actually located in Centennial, CO! Some trivia for all you Colorado people ;) We were beginning to worry since it's just 3 weeks till departure, but I think they wait to see how many scientists are going before they buy the tickets.

Flight is from Philly --> Miami --> Santiago --> Punta Arenas. Then boat to Palmer. My mentor informs me that it's customary for newcomers to jump into the coastal waters after the ship drops us off at Palmer and sails away. I told him that was great information, I would bring a camera ;)