The Final Countdown Before the Big Trip
Saturday, November 20, 2010 at 10:40PM After many weeks of having liters of my blood sucked, my boobs squeezed, my teeth X-rayed, my heart monitored, and my bank account emptied (on medical bills insurance won’t cover), I’ve been declared “PQed.” That’s “Physically Qualified,” for those who aren’t familiar with the acronym-obsessed U.S. government —its Antarctica logistics 
subcontractor Raytheon Polar Services, specifically.
It’s still hard to believe that on Monday, Nov. 22, I’ll begin a month-long science field trip to the Western Antarctica Peninsula. (See map.) In the ever-shrinking world of journalism, it’s all the more shocking that I could be on a fellowship for such an extravagant trip of a lifetime. The Marine Biological Laboratory at Woods Hole, Mass., is sponsoring the trip for three journalists. I’m thanking MBL now, as I may be cursing it when I’m vomiting my way across Drake Passage (a four-day trip from Punta Arenas, Chile, through some of the world’s most dreaded currents, called the “roaring forties”) on the LMG10-10 research cruise ship. (See route graphic.) I’ll be in good company, though, with several scientists from around the United States who will set off on their respective field studies on everything from zooplankton to penguins. Much of their work will search for clues about how rising temperatures and carbon dioxide levels are affecting predators and prey in the food web. Ultimately, it’s about the fate of the planet, the future our children and grandchildren will inherit. Small stuff like that.
So follow me as I attempt to mingle with Adelie and other resident (and severely threatened) resident penguins; deploy autonomous “gliders” that will probe into otherwise inaccessible deepwater canyons to take samples of krill, silverfish and other delicacies (if you’re a penguin); count eggs and whole colonies of Adelie, Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins as well as skuas and giant petrels – and, hopefully, not make a fool of myself around all the smart and dedicated scientists. Mostly, I expect to gain even more appreciation for the natural world – from the invisible critters that get no respect to the charismatic penguins -- and our precarious and precious place in that world.
Also, join me also as I co-host “How On Earth,” a weekly science show on KGNU radio (88.5 FM Boulder/Denver, or tune in live via the Internet, www.kgnu.org) for three Tuesdays from Antarctica, all at 8:35 – 9:00 a.m. MST: Nov. 30, Dec. 7 and Dec. 14. I’ll interview scientists about their research, how they can do their work in such extreme landscapes, and why it matters to us all. Please comment on the blog posts. (Gaps in blog entries, particularly while I’m on the cruise vessel, will likely reflect either my seasickness or satellite connection failures.)
Here I go, waaAY Down Under!
Reader Comments (8)
Good luck, Susan! I can't wait to read about about all your adventures (and, of course, all the cool science you are learning about...)
Susan, from across the years to across the continents, thanks to the internet I shall stream your radio show on Tuesdays to see what you are up to wayyy down under. Wishing you a safe and incredible journey.
Just opened your email Suze! Will read Part Deux tomorrow morning with my coffee. Looking forwrd to your installments. And from one sea-sick-prone person to another; good luck with that! I guess it's too late to pick up some meclizine!
Hi Susie! We will follow your blog and your adventure. I hope you have a thrilling, not chilling, journey. Just read today that 100% of the incoming new congress people do not believe global warming has a significant human component. You have an uphill battle! Travel safe,
Love, p.
Congrats on the fellowship Susan! Can't wait to follow your exploits. Are you on facebook?
Susie: Have a wonderful time. What a great experience.
Ginni
Susan, I am stoked for you! This is the opportunity of a lifetime! And you richly deserve it. I look forward to your posts! Bon voyage, and come back safe and sound. Your student ~ Val
Hey my sangha sister, you are my hero! And I love your writing so I am thrilled to vicariously follow your adventure and studies. Ginger in any form and don't forget to massage the point about an inch and a half above your wrist on the underside of the arm. I'm praying to the seasickness gods to leave you the hell alone.
Love and blessings, Ilyse