Antarctica 2006

And… I’m off! Today, I traveled, and traveled, and traveled some more! I started in Manchester, NH on November 3rd and will arrive in New Zealand on November 5th. Don’t forget that I skip a day ahead due to crossing the International Date Line. What a trip!

I must take a moment and thank the many people who have made this trip possible. Sincere “Thanks” go out to Dr. Peter Doran, from the Long Term Ecological Research Project for inviting me back for another season on “The Ice.” I am quite fortunate to be involved with such a wonderful project and a wonderful group of people. A very special “Thanks” to Miss Sheila Adams for her endless and tireless support, technologically as well as personally. “Thanks” also to the Rye Junior High administration and school board for their unwavering support of my participation in this project. “Thanks” to my teammates and colleagues at school for their support and well wishes, as well as to the students for their enthusiasm and boundless questions. I am tremendously excited to share all my experiences with each of you! “Thanks” to the folks at Atlantic Aquasport for helping me get all my dive gear ready and, perhaps most importantly, for fixing the leak in my dry suit! “Thanks” also to my statistics professor at UNH for letting me send my final project from Antarctica; this is truly “long distance learning”! Final heart-felt “Thanks” to all my family and friends for taking care of everything and everyone back home (I miss all of you already)!

So get ready for a fantastic journey, full of excitement, new experiences, and wonder. Come on along for the ride –

We’re leaving LA, turning left and heading South!

My dog Tasman isn't sure he wants me to leave!

The planes: (One of my students asked me to post pictures of the various modes of “flying” transportation I used to get to Antarctica; here is the first batch of “vehicles”!

Plane #1

Plane #2

"Big Bertha!"