Welcome to the Ice

There is nothing I'd rather be doing. My life is forever changed by this mysterious, dangerous and hauntingly beautiful land. This vast expanse of uncomplicated whiteness has become soothing to my eyes and my soul. Life at McMurdo is unpretentious, simple and fun. There is no dress code except for what is necessary to stay warm. My huge red parka is my best friend. Things boil down to what really matters, not having the newest model this or that. I find it refreshing to have only two choices of toothpaste in our tiny store rather than face a wall of indecision at stores back home in Orange County. There is tangible camaraderie, and the friendships formed here are special because of sharing this challenging environment. I even found love this summer, and my days of dating disappointment back home are fading into the distance. In Antarctica, at the bottom of the world, the restlessness in my soul is-at least for now-quiet.