Christchurch Boomerang, October 5, 2004

Hi the few,

Antarctic adventures begin already.

After four hours in the air, word came down that we were turning back (a "boomerang" flight). We were hoping they were joking, but knew better.
The first plane that landed on the ice runway left an 8"deep trench 1000' long that needs a bit o' work before another plane can come in.

Apparently this is fourth year sea ice (fairly old) and it has a 9" layer over a weak area, so they have to fill in all the holes with fresh water, give them 24 hours to freeze, then test each one with something heavier than heavy equipment (which they have).

They had a wooden boomerang on board that the crew photographed one of their guys with. Cute.

The weather has closed in, which would preclude our arrival anyway. I am ready to be down there, not hanging out in Christchurch, but there are far worse places to be stuck.

I'm trying to absorb the colors and scents of the many flowers, the songs of the birds, the dogs... and of course the Thai food.

Our pay is not affected. In fact, on delay days we get the same per diem cash to cover accomodation and food, much of which the resourceful among us hoard for post-ice travel. Not a bad deal.

Antarctica is a good place to learn to let go to attachmentto plans! So, I'll let you know when we land. On the ice.

Love to all, Susan