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What I took to Antarctica
CHARLOTTE, N.C., January 5, 2002 -- It's
cold, it's dark, and patches of two-day-old snow still cover
parts of my lawn.
As if that's not crazy enough, I'm about
to leave for Antarctica, heading for the iciest place on earth
in the middle of winter.
Better test that cold-weather gear, I think.
So I layer on the clothing, poke my legs into the boots and stomp
around in the patches of snow.
I didn't get cold. The layers worked. A
week later, they'd prove their fitness again as I faced the naturally
air-conditioned atmosphere of Antarctica.
I never got cold. And neither will you,
if you follow my packing list:
Shoes and Footwear
Waterproof, knee-high rubber boots
Hiking shoes
Sock liners, 5 pairs -- Make that 6!
Thick socks, 2 pairs, one longer and woolier than the other
Black flats
Clothing -- Gear for landings
Rain pants
Sweatpants -- plain old sweatpants
Blue REI long underwear, top (zip neck) and bottom
Sports bra
Wool Eddie Bauer cardigan that I've had for 10+ years
Glove liners, gloves
New snowhat with ear flaps and tassel
Big wool sweater
Scarf
Other clothes
It has been hard to decide how to pack for this trip. The expeditions
are simple enough, but that sort of gear doesn't mesh well with
"formal night." We're not going to the prom, people.
Green socks, striped socks, hose, gray and black socks
Two pairs pants
Orange sweater
"Antarctica" sweatshirt, made by my sister, Chrissy
Dress/tunic outfit
White turtleneck
Wool shirt
Reindeer PJs
Undies, 10 pairs; bras, 4
Swimsuit
U of C T-shirt
Miscellaneous Gear
Two packs of toe warmers
Fanny pack
Sunglasses
El Cheapo watch
Stain remover
Recording the expedition
Video camera, DV tapes, mike, bag
Nikon, film, telephoto lens
Freezer bags
Batteries for both cameras
Binoculars
Overnight bag
Moisturizer with sunscreen for face
Toothbrush, toothpaste
Eyeball juice, deodorant, medicine, makeup
Chapstik, lipstick, Dramamine
Neck bag with passport
Fun stuff
Book on photography, P.D. James mystery, book of crosswords
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