Orientation

I landed in Christchurch, New Zealand after traveling for 36 hours.  Exhausted doesn't begin to describe how I felt.  I also lost a full day traveling across the International Date Line, always a trip.  It was still a few hours before I could check into my assigned hotel so I walked around the city for a bit, got some lunch, then napped for a couple of hours.  I didn't want to get too off schedule so forced myself to stay up until 9 or so before I hopped back in bed.  Sleep wasn't great but it felt AMAZING to lie down.

The next morning was time to pick up my gear.  Myself along with 4 others were picked up by a shuttle to head to the USAP.  We first all got COVID tested.  Then got a pre-packed duffle bag of gear to try on and exchange until everything fit and all the zippers worked.  The parka is termed "Big Red", it's a solid piece.  I won't need to use it much as my job is mostly indoors but good to know I have it available.  I was sweating with all the gear on but feel confident I have what I need.

All the gear in the warehouse, some in better shape than others

My biggest challenge is to get all of my checked luggage to be <85 lbs.  I'll wear most of the cold weather gear during check in so the weight concern is more my other stuff.  I don't have a scale so will have to wing it until flight day and hope it works out.  I've been told to carry heavy things like toiletry bottles or fruit with me in the pockets of Big Red as that doesn't count towards my weight limit, will be interesting.

The next day was orientation videos, powerpoint presentations and a couple of zoom sessions.  Nothing profound but covered all the usual HR stuff and some site specific training.  Most of the medical orientation I will need for my day-to-day work will be done on the ice with the summer doc who will be staying an extra month to help train me.  Will be good to finally be there and figure all this out.

A fun mural I encountered in Christchurch

3 out of the 5 people I'm orienting with have been to Antarctica before, only 1 other is a newbie like me.  One of the things they told me was there's a stigma against seeing medical as they don't want to be sent home.  So people are less than upfront, especially about injuries.  Not great for them and I hope we don't run into too many problems with people hurting themselves more rather than just getting the medical help they need.  People also avoid reporting illness (like a cold) as they are quarantined and that could affect their job/pay.  Guess that's kinda true anywhere, we work when we're sick against our better judgement.  But spreading germs to the rest of the team in such an isolated setting, no bueno.

Meanwhile I'm in beautiful Christchurch.  There's a walk along the river, botanical gardens and several restaurants and places to people watch all within blocks of my hotel.  Weather is lovely (in the 70's), good to be here and lots of anticipation as I wait for my ice flight.  I'm picking up a few last minute items (like fresh fruit) to take along as I won't see it again for 6-8 months!

The Botanical Gardens were lovely, trying to store up some vitamin D

PS- For those of you interested, I can receive mail as I have an APO address.  It may take forever, but should eventually make it to the ice.  Pirateship.com is a great way to purchase postage and send packages without having to go the post office (I just discovered this prior to leaving and sent myself a 21 lb box). And as always, chocolate welcome :) 

Katrine Bengaard 

McMurdo Clinic- winter over 2024 

PSC 769 Box 700 

APO AP 96599-9998