After completing tons of paperwork—often supplying the same information multiple times—and finishing the grueling PQ (physical qualifications testing) including a cardiac treadmill test, I finally began getting information about orientation and travel.I’ll leave for Denver on August 3 to get training on aeromedical evacuation using the Air Force
planes that we use to transport folks and material to and from “the Ice.”I’ll then remain to be oriented on the multitude of administrative details that accompany the job of McMurdo’s Lead Physician. We’ll also, presumably, go over the plans for preventing (a dubious effort) and dealing with flu epidemics at the various Polar stations.
So, what has been the most onerous part of this ordeal? The packing. Although the details keep changing, it appears that we have a limit of 75 pounds of stuff we can take with us for the 6+ months. And, that is reduced by about 22 pounds for the ECW (extreme cold weather) gear we are issued in New Zealand. I’ll be taking stuff for Denver (Mary Lou will be up there part of the 
time and take most of that back to Tucson), stuff to have as cargo on the plane with me to the Ice (if it doesn’t get bumped), stuff to carry on (computer, ECW gear, camera, “bounce-back bag” in case our plane has to abort due to weather or mechanical issues), and stuff to mail to myself from Christchurch (CHCH, or “Cheech”). Some of my gear, such as my roll-aboard, I’ll leave in New Zealand for when I return.
time and take most of that back to Tucson), stuff to have as cargo on the plane with me to the Ice (if it doesn’t get bumped), stuff to carry on (computer, ECW gear, camera, “bounce-back bag” in case our plane has to abort due to weather or mechanical issues), and stuff to mail to myself from Christchurch (CHCH, or “Cheech”). Some of my gear, such as my roll-aboard, I’ll leave in New Zealand for when I return.Well, the adventure begins—tomorrow!
