It is time to go. My time here has been fabulous, a trip of a lifetime. I have met amazing people, hiked beautiful terrain and seen some of the most spectacular views. I have walked where no other human has ever walked, cross country skied and fat-tired biked. I ran a 5k, collected ice cores and worked with some of the most skilled scientists I have ever encountered. But now, it is time to say goodbye. I will miss my new friends and the sights that Antarctica has offered, but I am anxious to see my family. If I am lucky, I will be home in time to celebrate my eldest daughter's 16th birthday. I have missed much while I have been gone, I don't want to miss any more!

    Last views from Hut Point
    My last views of McMurdo. Went for a walk to Hut Point one last time. I will miss this!

    Mountains
    The mountains are calling and I must go…

    Baby seal
    Seal pup is losing his fur. Bye bye little seal!

    51 more hours and I will be home! It will be a long haul, but will offer time to reflect on this amazing journey. My journals will become a bit sparse over these next few travel days as I am not certain how much time or connection I will have, but I will do my best to offer a window into the journey home!

    Skiing
    The guys and I are skiing. We are quite the crew, pretty much all first timers that struggled to get our gear on!

    Myself
    I am on cross country skis. This is crazy!

    Sun burnt and done
    I am officially sun burnt and done. It was a gorgeous day to ski Antarctica! Time to shower and get to the airplane!

    Another view
    It is truly beautiful, but I am ready to go home!

    I've got to go, my transport is in 15 min!

    George and I
    Fellow PolarTREC teacher George Hademenos and I pose for a last photo at the transport building. Anthony from ASC took our photo.

    The boys and I
    The guys and I pose for a final McMurdo photo. Todd Zatorski on camera.

    Terra Bus
    Ivan the Terra Bus is here to transport us to Phoenix Air Field for our departure.

    Phoenix Terminal
    This is the terminal at Phoenix. It sort of looks like one!

    Erebus
    One last Erebus photo! As always, I couldn't help myself. It was begging to be photographed!

    View from Phoenix
    A view from the Phoenix Airfield. Dry Valleys are a lot closer here!

    Our plane
    Our plane is now visible in the air, bringing newbies to the continent.

    Plane touch down
    The plane to take us home is about to touch down. Cheers erupts from the crowd!

    South African plane
    Our plane home is a South African plane. A little disappointed there are not more windows, but I will take it!

    One last look
    One last look at my gorgeous surroundings.

    Time to board a plane!

    Walking to plane
    The group is in a hurry to get on the plane.

    Standing in line
    Almost like waiting for Goliath at Great America!

    Looking back on the plane
    Packed in like sardines... I see the guys. This plane is cold and sketchy at best, but it is taking us home =)

    Interesting toilet
    The toilet is sketchy too! Good thing I don't have to go very often…
    privacy is kind of an issue! I can make it eight hours!

    Date
    Location
    McMurdo Station, Antarctica
    Weather Summary
    Sunny and Gorgeous. A great day to go home!
    Temperature
    19˚ F
    Wind Speed
    NA
    Wind Chill
    NA

    Comments

    Michael Penn

    Jennifer, my classes have enjoyed your journal entries. I laughed out loud when I saw your last picture of the toilet on the airplane. I'm sure that my students will have some questions! Thanks for all of your good work!

    Peggy Yee

    I have thoroughly enjoyed viewing your amazing trip. Will be nice to see you!!!

    Jennifer Bault

    Hi Peggy,
    So nice to hear from you. I will have to stop in and chat sometime. The
    experience was such a tremendous gift. I loved every minute!

    Jennifer

    On 11/29/17 4:38 AM, PolarTREC wrote: