After a week delay, we were finally on our way to McMurdo Station. The day started out early with check in time of 0600, which means you had to be there before 6AM, ensure that your total baggage was under 85 lbs (we were allowed 115lbs since we were going to the field, but I made by with 83lbs), and be in line to check in all before 6. From there, we dropped our checked bags, got weighed with our full gear + carry-on for proper balancing, and was briefed about flight operations. And finally loaded a bus and drove across the street to the airstrip to pick up our food for the day and meet our ride.
We were being flown out on a C-17 from the 304 EAS at McChord AFB. The crew was fantastic! We were a completely full flight at 123 pax, so every seat and nook and cranny were filled, which was great with only one bathroom đŸ˜‰ It’s about a 5 hour flight and the crew was kind enough to allow us up in the cockpit.
As we were coming in to land, we were told to prepare for some sliding, as it’s an “iceway”, not a runway and that they were keeping the engines running, so we had to get away from the plane ASAP once we got off. Those first steps off were like a blast to the face of cold, dry air. It felt like my nose hairs instantly froze! We landed on Phoenix Airstrip(ICAO: NZFX) and from there, were boarded some cool looking vans and made our way over to “town” which is about a 40 min drive.
The evening was a bit of a blur. We met with our supervisors for a quick meet and greet and it was determined we would do our official welcome aboard tomorrow morning. We were given our keys to our room and most of my group was put up in the “transient” dorms, as were are going to be headed out to the field in a view weeks vice staying at McMurdo the entire summer season. I was also lucky to only have one roommate for the time being (our room can fit 3). I picked up my bags when they were delivered, ate dinner, and tried to get some sleep for the next day to come.
My intention is to try and do a weekly post (as I have connectivity) and will upload it on Sunday my time. If you have any question about life down here, my job, etc, please leave a comment or send me an email.