Odd Preparations
It’s been two weeks since my trip to MBARI, and already it seems ages ago. I’ve spent the time since returning on Feb. 27 working mainly on finishing up my polar physical exam and all the tests that go with it. In addition to a full blood panel, these included all sorts of things I’ve never had done before including an exercise stress test and a TB skin test. As the expedition paperwork explains, medical services in the Antarctic are limited to basic care, and a couple of rather primitive surgical centers at the two main stations, Palmer and McMurdo.
There’s a request for an optional HIV test. The explanatory letter that goes with this request explains that there is no traditional blood bank in Antarctica, or on the icebreaker. There is only the “walking blood bank.” That is, the living blood of all personnel. If something happens, blood is taken from a healthy person and given immediately to the needy patient.
This week I have also filled out paperwork detailing my clothing, hat, and glove sizes. In Punta Arenas, Raytheon Polar will issue us a couple of bright orange bags full of standard Antarctic clothing that includes:
1 Carhartt Siberian Arctic parka
1 Carhartt insulated bib overall
1 Polar Fleece balaclava
1 pair rubber thermal boots
1 Yazoo cap
1 Polar Fleece neck gaiter
4 pairs Thinsulate-lined leather gloves
2 pairs Polypro glove liners
1 pair Kodalite mittens
1 pair windproof mittens with pile
1 pair gauntlet-length furback mittens
1 pair Smith snow goggles
1 Polar Fleece jacket
1 pair Polar Fleece pants
1 pair windproof bib overalls
1 red parka
6 pairs wool tube socks
1 pair Expedition underdrawers
1 pair Thermax underdrawers
1 Expedition undershirt
1 Thermax undershirt
What exactly is a “Yazoo cap,” I wondered. I found the answer on the Cabela’s site. It’s a camouflaged, insulated hunter’s cap, the kind with long earflaps that can be worn fastened on top of the cap, or pulled over the ears and fastened under the chin. If they have them in my size, I will eat one.
All of this clothing is on loan, and must be returned in reasonably good order at the end of our journey. Advice from those in the know is to bring one’s own underwear. I am a small woman, and will gladly take this to heart. A month in saggy-baggy unders, when combined with other trying conditions, could be worked into quite a good horror story.
Next post, what I learned in Monterey about the scientists and their projects, and my dangerous urge to volunteer for the bird survey.
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