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Yvette Adonai's avatar

Hi Cree. Please keep up the posts. What an amazing adventure.

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Andy's avatar

I just watched the movie Whiteout, a murder mystery that takes place in Antarctica. Not a bad flick. While watching it, several questions popped into my head.

--What is the law enforcement presence there? In the movie, there’s a US Marshal, and UN Investigator stationed there.

--What about military presence?

--Are there any “lifers” you’ve encountered, or “South Pole recidivists”?

--When is the first full sunset? Do you expect to see the Southern Lights (or the Southern Cross) at some point?

--What initiation rituals will you be/have you been subjected to?

--What is the thermostat set at in your living spaces?

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Cree LeFavour's avatar

Anyd--I missed these questions, somehow. i can answer some of them!

there is a U.S. Marshal at McMurdo. Not at South Pole. lawless here? not sure. Never heard of any UN investigator stationed either place. As for the military presence, the military run the flights--at least some of them like the flight from NZ to McMurdo and the c-130 from McMurdo to South Pole. (the first one of the season landed two days ago.) There are lifers for sure. One guy has been coming here for 40 years! plenty have been coming for 20 or done more than a dozen overwinters. They force some people to leave the ice for a break--many of them don't have any real home beyond McMurdo or the Pole. (Maybe a storage unit?) I will not see the Southern Lights because the first sunset isn't until March. I'll be leaving in mid-February when the temperature starts to plummet making it more and more difficult for the flights in and out. No initiation rituals! Phew! and the thermostat is comfortable--kind of normal high 60s in most spaces. i'm wearing a t-shirt and sweatshirt at the moment. Thanks for the questions!

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Stephanie's avatar

Love these posts, Cree! So beautifully observed. I find myself waiting for each new installment.

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naalehu's avatar

You've inspired me to give C-G's book a re-read. Being in a situation that curtails adventure, I look forward to the vicarious version via your posts. Mahalo!

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Cree LeFavour's avatar

do! i think it will reward.

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Sheryl Moller's avatar

Amazing, Cree!

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Cree LeFavour's avatar

thanks, honey!

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