How it all started....

     I actually started investigating an extended vacation to Patagonia/Chile for hiking and astronomy with a side trip to Antarctica.  This was about the same time that the tourist boat sank in Nov. '07.  I never got around to setting everything up for various reasons.
      In the meantime some good friends of mine, Mindy and Reinhart, were completing their two year sailing adventure.  When they returned they lived with me until Reinhart got a job with Raytheon, traveling to Antarctica.  During the same time I had also met Neal, who is a scuba diver that has participated in many studies diving in Antarctica, and I furthered my studies in astronomy (lots of stuff in that regards on the ice).  Given my sense of adventure and upon hearing of their tales.... it led to the inevitable.
     I applied for a job as a Physician Assistant to be on the ice.  I was chosen as an "alternate" for the McMurdo station.  I have never wished harm to anyone in my life however I've got to tell you I was soooo hoping that whoever was assigned to go wouldn't be able to go for some reason or another. (hopefully it was a good reason i.e. baby, marriage...).  But as time past I realized it wasn't going to happen so I figured I would try again for next year and began making plans for the fall and ski season.  However on 9/9 I received a phone call stating that the South Pole PA was not able to go and would I be interested.  Of course I said Hell Yeah!!!!!  (may be not those exact words to the recruiter but that's what I was thinking).  What a great birthday present!
     I was incredibly excited.   So much so that I could  not concentrate on preparing for my "hosting" at the GTCC telescope on 9/11.  Thank goodness Tim Martin agreed to swap positions.  Ever since I have been making preparations....
     As word has gotten out I have had basically 3 responses:  "I don't believe you", "Are you crazy", or "I am not surprised".   I, myself,  have thought all three since being notified.  Hopefully this blog will keep "you guys" (or y'all) informed as to what my experiences are like on the ice.

PS: Thanks Barb for the suggestive title.