First Day - Blogabond

Hi my name is Jake Carling and I'm in Antarctica. This is my first blog entry and I have a lot to catch up on. I wanted to let some friends and family know where I am. Today I departed for McMurdo Station from the traditional Antarctic launch pad of Christchurch, New Zealand. Early explorers Shackleton and Scott both used this area as a departure point for their expeditions and the tradition continues for the United States Antarctic Program. We had waited in the second largest city in New Zealand for the previous three days because of bad weather. Not that I cared.

I like taking vacation on the company dime. Each night our room was paid for and an $80 stipend was allotted. From cliff-side beaches to wandering paths among blooming flowers in the botanical gardens, to culinary cuisines from across the globe, Christchurch is a spectacular city. I felt like it was a modern version of what people behaved like in America before the advent of television and a lust of materialism, power, and flashiness. The people are honest, kind, and helpful. The city spectacularly beautiful, clean, and safe. I can't wait to see the rest of the South Island.

We loaded up gear this morning and left for the ice. Soon the light streaming in the two windows of the C-130 became intense. I needed glacier sunglasses to look out of the porthole. Down below I imagined I was flying over the surface of the moon, luminous cracked, and pockmarked. It stretched for miles and miles until soon we landed. We I climbed out of the plane the scene took my breath away.

A brilliantly blue cloudless sky met and endless sea of white on the horizon. Jagged mountain peaks erupted from the flat landscape in several directions. A plume of vapor hung over the 12,500 foot cone of Mount Erebus, the worlds southern most active volcano. Frost bellowed from my nostrils with each exhale, but I embraced the cold with a smile on my face. We loaded up in transport where we received an orientation and were given room assignments. My room has about 20 bunk beds. No worries though because tomorrow I leave for the South Pole where I'll have my own room. I think.

written by

JCinTheSouthPole on November 5, 2009 from Christchurch, New Zealand

from the travel blog: South Pole

tagged JakeCarling

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Love it - can't wait for more!

written by Jeannine on November 5, 2009

I hope you remembered your coat. Looking forward to reading more. Good luck Jake!

written by Jason on November 5, 2009

Oh I am soooo excited to read what happens next! Thank you for the imagery! Its almost as if I'm there with you! (though, Antarctica is not exactly on my list...brrrrrr...I'm eating up every detail! Keep them coming...leave NOTHING out!!!

written by April Pettley on November 5, 2009

I WANT PICTURES!

written by Mupert on November 5, 2009

Jake,

go out and get em!!! i know this is what you always wanted to do...Rule your destiny brother :) if you come through NZ on your way back stop by Tonga and visit..we would LOVE to have you..Ofa Atu Tokoua

written by SIone Langi on November 23, 2009

Hey Jake. Dianne & I are lovin your blog. You writing and your pix are great. Happy New Year. Be safe.

written by Andy Botwick on January 3, 2010

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