32 days until we leave!🇦🇶

But who’s counting?? As I celebrate Thanksgiving and share my gratitude with those that mean the most to me, I am in full packing mode. If you know me, you know I am not a light packer!

When we travel on the charter flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, we are limited to 1 checked bag, 50 pounds max, and 1 carry on, no more than 17 pounds. It’s amazing how fast you get to 50 pounds with all the cold weather gear we need – base layers, wool socks, mid layers, fleeces, rain pants, neck gaiters, ski hats, ski goggles for the Zodiacs, medication “just in case”, etc. Luckily, they have laundry facilities on the ship, they give us a parka (to keep) and muck boots (to use for our adventures). Therefore, I am modifying Marie Kondo’s famous quote, and using this for my packing strategy — “Does it spark comfort and warmth? If it does, keep it. If not, take it out of the suitcase.”

Let me explain what a zodiac is/does because these little “rafts” will be a major part of our expedition once we arrive in Antarctica. Zodiacs are rigid-hulled inflatable boats that will carry us from the ship to land. Once used by Jacques Cousteau, they are advantageous in remote locations, allowing passengers to get close up with nature during the voyage (think whales!) and land in places where big ships can’t. Bottom line, a Zodiac is a necessary and indispensable part of the expedition. We will be on the Zodiacs at least twice a day, exploring the local bays, channels and our landing sites on the continent. The Zodiacs are our gateway to Antarctica’s wildlife—penguin rookeries, humpback and minke whales, and the southern seal species (including the leopard seal).

Signing off for now. Happy Thanksgiving!