It came to my attention today that I have 16 days left of this amazing journey! I feel like I just hit my stride and I can keep going. I have come to enjoy the simplicity of life here at camp and of course the magnificent beauty that makes you smile through your chattering teeth. I think I am some how adapting to the cold. Last night I slept in one layer of bottoms, two layers of tops and no socks. That's pretty much naked in Antarctica! Showering used to be a must morning ritual. I never felt awake until I took a shower. Now as soon as the sun and the cold hit my face I feel instantly ready for the day. All of the things we think are so necessary for our existence I have come to realize I can do without even hummus (the hummus bucket and I are at odds now due to a not so pleasant effect of the powdered hummus). Before leaving on this trip I feared I would lose my mind on this trip. I pictured myself sitting in my tent shivering and having panic attacks. The thought of being in such a remote place, isolated and removed from society completed terrified me. After being here I realized that the weather was more my enemy than my own thoughts. Time and time again I am surprised at just how adaptable humans are, how adaptable I am.
I find myself oddly saddened by the thought of this project winding down. Sure it will be nice to come home and see my friends, family and co-workers and once again enjoy all the wonderful things NYC has to offer but yet I have come to really enjoy life here.
Certainly during Happy Camper School I never would have expected to walk away from this experience with a very positive outlook but with each day I grow more found of this place. I want to do Happy Camper School again and show the forces of nature I have overcome!
It's not over yet though. I have two weeks left and I fully intend to enjoy my last days here. Who knows if I will ever return to this part of the world again.
Tomorrow I am heading back to McMurdo for some videoconferences. I am super excited for us to start videoconferences again after our two week hiatus. We still have 3 weeks of VCs left. In fact our last videoconference will be on the same day I leave Antarctica. What a way to sign off!
Penguins Rule!
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