August 1, 2012 Ready, Set, …Dutch Harbor in 48 hours

Am I Ready?

The answer is a definite …maybe. Since this is my second expedition to the Arctic aboard the icebreaker, USCGC Healy, I know the essential items to pack: steel-toed boots, computer, camera, and Maryland-made morale goodies for everyone on-board.

Preparations?

Learning from walruses, polar bears, and other northern animals, a blubber layer is important when living in the far north. I expertly handled that preparation with turtle sundaes, phosphates, ice cream cones, and homemade root beer floats as I toured my favorite ice cream parlors last week near Massillon, Ohio. Taggarts, Milk and Honey, Dalton Dairi-ette, Woody’s Root Beer Stand, and Cleo’s have all been in business for over 55 years. Oops, I cannot forget Kraus’ Pizza, too.

Turtle Sundae at Taggarts in Canton, Ohio. This ice cream parlor has been open since 1929.

Family and friends after dinner and ice cream at Taggarts

Since the Healy is a floating city, I can wash clothes, use electricity, and stay warm inside unlike other expeditions to Polar Regions. Sunny days and night, warmer weather… the rest of packing should be easy.