I checked my baggage in on Tuesday for Wednesday's flight, but... The best laid plans of mice and men.
Two plane loads of people were supposed to have flown out yesterday, but it's now looking like it might happen tomorrow, Friday the 25th. A blizzard descended on the Ross Sea area and visibility went down dramatically, at times to zero. For an area known as being dry, a polar desert in fact, the drifts of snow are pretty significant. At times the weather has caused Condition 1 to be called out on the Ice Shelf where the airfield is, meaning that anyone trapped out there must remain inside whatever building or vehicle they are in. Things are supposed to improve today and we're likely to have good conditions by Friday.
The plan was for us to be flown out on the RNZAF Boeing 757. With the earthquake they have been reassigned for more important work flying supplies south from Wellington, the capital, and people north out of Christchurch. Thanks to my friend Mike Rettie I have this website for the latest news from Christchurch:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/
I guess there's a fitting symmetry in my stay here at McMurdo ending this way. I flew into Christchurch a few weeks after their big September 4th earthquake and will fly back there soon after this biggie. I was stuck in Christchurch for a few day due to weather on the Ice and am now stuck again in McMurdo due to storms. Like they say, it's a harsh continent.
Two plane loads of people were supposed to have flown out yesterday, but it's now looking like it might happen tomorrow, Friday the 25th. A blizzard descended on the Ross Sea area and visibility went down dramatically, at times to zero. For an area known as being dry, a polar desert in fact, the drifts of snow are pretty significant. At times the weather has caused Condition 1 to be called out on the Ice Shelf where the airfield is, meaning that anyone trapped out there must remain inside whatever building or vehicle they are in. Things are supposed to improve today and we're likely to have good conditions by Friday.
The plan was for us to be flown out on the RNZAF Boeing 757. With the earthquake they have been reassigned for more important work flying supplies south from Wellington, the capital, and people north out of Christchurch. Thanks to my friend Mike Rettie I have this website for the latest news from Christchurch:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/
I guess there's a fitting symmetry in my stay here at McMurdo ending this way. I flew into Christchurch a few weeks after their big September 4th earthquake and will fly back there soon after this biggie. I was stuck in Christchurch for a few day due to weather on the Ice and am now stuck again in McMurdo due to storms. Like they say, it's a harsh continent.
hope you're safely on your way soon, mike. likewise, we hope to be among the first to welcome you home one of these days.
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