Sandy Supposes....

Day 1 Way Down Under

30 Days Camping In Antarctica, Day 1:

         

         Wow, just wow! Never did I imagine I'd set foot in Antarctica much less camp there. This will be the adventure of a lifetime. Not having to roll, pack and lug a tent is wonderful. Time is wasted wrestling with a tent and in a freezing climate the howling winds would attempt to shred it anyway.

         

         The first thing I noticed is the absence of noise. There's a serene silence here. Ice and snow must muffle everything. Secondly and enthusiastically, I noticed the absence of insects. Hallelujah! Camping here at home in the summer I cannot avoid stinging, whining, vengeful bugs. How blissful not to cringe and slap.

         I understand bundling for colder temperatures, I've packed my woolen toques, mitts and scarves. I thought to wear the parka with plenty of pockets.

         I've been told, no, encouraged to snack often. Woohoo, I have an excuse to indulge in chocolate. Assured I cannot possibly gain weight, I'm going to enjoy this month long adventure to the land way, way down under.Peace and quiet plus chocolate, that's a win-win.

         Here is where I admit I've never perched in, launched or paddled a kayak. And I call myself a Canadian? Okay, I've managed to stay afloat in a canoe and a raft. I grasp the concept of balance and paddling. I do not relish an emergency release /escape into the frigid water. A few chillingly cold splashes I can endure. Do not worry, I am determined to earn the title of kayaker. I am already a certified yacker and I will put forth the effort to add the 'ka.' I presume the inflatable kayaks will be filled via a pump? I can blow with the best of them, but..

         I like bannock. It's been years since I cooked it on a fire. Imagine explorers eating it perhaps in this very spot.

         I plan to enjoy the star -studded panorama from the comfort of my bivy sack. A few of our guides point at the expansive sky and say "les etoiles." They are lovely French Canadians.Vive Quebec and its twinkling stars.

         To my fellow bloggers and explorers extraordinaire I bid a bonne nuit. My arms are tired, but I believe my eyes are more so. I rarely dared to blink and the glare from the ice, snow and water is intense. I promise not to snore.