The Antarctica Files: Back!

Hi guys!

I am officially back from Antarctica.

I do not want to be.

I didnt want to leave.

Normally I am very much an 'Oklahoma' girl-- mountains are pretty, but they make me claustrophobic. Oceans do too. I like plains. Horizon going to forever in every direction.

But I never got sick of the mountains in Antarctica. And I miss the ocean. I miss being on the water.

I cried on the way home.

Not hard, but every time a plane took off and I was a little further away, I would tear up.

But it was like visiting Narnia. You cant stay. You can probably never go back. And it wouldnt be the same if you could.

Tags

More like this

Some of you may know that a publisher contacted me last year about turning a piece of short fiction I'd written from an adult perspective into a young adult novel. There are several reasons I wanted to do this - the first is that in many ways, the young adult fiction market is much more vital than…
Every time my life settles down enough for me to return to regular blogging, crazy stuff happens.  First there was the sudden arrival of newborn baby Z. - we were called at 2:30 pm and by 4:30, Eric was picking him up at the hospital.  Since normally one gets more than umm...two hours to prepare…
The minute I announced my pregnancy with Simon, the first question most people asked me was "Oh, are you trying for a girl?"  I admit, the question annoyed me.  The implication seemed to be that everyone dreams of the perfect matched set, one boy and one girl.  In fact, I always had a strong…
Kevin is back in the field, catching herps with abandon... Return to Muyu 7 August My first day back to the great town of Muyu. No more pizza, no more burgers, no more fries, no more cold beverages, just curious friendly faces. Linsen appeared in my room around 9am almost as if he hadn't missed a…

*HUG*

By Optimus Primate (not verified) on 02 Jan 2011 #permalink

First time poster, long time lurker!

I was devestated to leave too. Just sightseeing though. I made a bunch of friends and we still keep in contact and have the occassional get-together.

We had some researchers on our boat checking for fauna and flora migrations and contamination and they were a fun bunch. So a great trip all round.

You probably didn't get a chance to see any penguins, so here are a couple of chinstraps:

http://www.metalvortex.com/images/Antarctica/slides/IMG_0417a.html

Enjoy!

I hope you had a grand time out there - looking forward to your stories. And yes, you *can* go back (though it's not easy). I wonder if volunteers are accepted on the winterings - then you can see the stars too if you haven't got a howling wind and you're set up to tolerate the cold for a half hour or so. But you can see those Southern stars without all the cold weather - there are plenty of places in South America, some places in South Africa, and of course New Zealand and Australia too.

By MadScientist (not verified) on 02 Jan 2011 #permalink

I went in 2006. I still miss seeing all of the albatrosses and porpoising penguins.

Just like Narnia but not in the armoire. However you spell that. Anyway, welcome back. Have you seen True Grit yet?

By Greg Laden (not verified) on 02 Jan 2011 #permalink

Having returned from the Galapagos in July of this year, I have an inkling of what you mean. I hardly ever thought about birds at all before my trip. Now that I am back, I still dream about the islands, and I find myself thinking constantly about the birds I see here in Fresno, and trying to shoot video of the critters and learn more about their biology. It's like I'm trying to keep my travel experience alive here in Central California--hah!

Anyway, these far-away lands change you. Tolkein understood that aspect of travel in a very deep way.

I am glad you are back in the States safe and sound, but pleased to know that you had such a profound experience. May your adventures continue. Enjoy your holiday.

That was quick. O.o

Take a chill pill ERV!

Welcome home, was it warmer in Antarctica than it's in OK now?