3 weeks to go!

With 3 weeks exactly until my departure date, I am downloading lots of aerial photos of my field areas. I am using these to check out suitable sites for my work - not too steep, lots of rock exposed and easy access.....looks pretty white and untouched! Actually we think that some of these areas have never been visited....

I met my field assistant, Roger, for the first time on Friday. He seems a nice chap - good job really, since I will be spending 6 weeks alone with him in a tent! He has wintered in Antarctica, so is very experienced...which is always reassuring.

Last night wasn't too good....Phoebe woke me up 4 times wanting 'to sleep in Mummy's bed' and 'please hold my hand, Mummy'. I think this is a reaction to knowing I will be going away soon. I really hope it doesn't continue for the next 3 weeks...I expect once I'm gone, she will be O.K. with the idea. But right now she is aiming to get as much of my attention as possible.

The beginning

I'm new to the idea of going South and updating everyone with my progress via a blog...so here goes. Between 6th December and 8th February (or so) I will be leaving our lovely home above, and going to Antarctica. I don't think I will be too disappointed to ditch driving and housework for a few weeks, but I will of course miss Robert and Phoebe, and Christmas, and all the usual home comforts especially fresh fruit and my own bed. On the other hand, this is a big adventure for me. Yes I've been to Antarctica 3 times before, but have not previously flown in from South America, nor stayed overnight at Rothera Research Station, nor flown in a Twin Otter to get to my field area. I am planning on doing a travelling season, moving camp every now and then with skidoos and sledges. This feels like the old-fashioned way of exploring the frozen continent, and for me it's very exciting (and a great privilege of course).

The idea behind this blog is that someone will update it with text emails sent from my tent whenever I get a chance. Hopefully this will give you a feel for what I am doing in Antarctica, and perhaps, why. If I get chance I will try to explain this in more detail, but for now the preparations are taking all my time.....