The Happiest Day Of My Life

I made it! After an early rise, I dragged my bags through the rain to the CDC. While Paul returned the damaged van to the rental place, I changed into my ECW for the flight. I checked in my bags (later to find out that I forgot a bag at the CDC) with the military and ate breakfast. Around 7am we went back to the CDC for the flight debriefing and loaded up on a bus that took us to the awaiting C-17

The flight took about 5hrs and I even got a cool tour of the cockpit (this doesn't happen on commercial flights). Without windows in the cargo area, it was weird not knowing when you were going to land, but when the wheels touched down, I knew I was there.

I heard that the first time someone steps off the plane they become awestruck at the reality before them. I was determined not to be one of these people. However, after I saw the cargo door open, and a line of forklifts coming to remove the non-human cargo (sorry the picture is on its side), I lost cool. IT WAS SO AWESOME! I stepped off the plane to a -10F world only dreams could do justice. I knew this was "the happiest day of my life."

I loaded onto "Ivan the Terra Bus" with Amanda and Eric and all we could say was "we are in Antarctica." We headed to Building 155 (my new home/ cafeteria/ store/...) for a debriefing and afterwards met my new supervisor, Barb. Barb gave us (Sean and Zack) a quick tour of the town and showed us where to retrieve our bags. I quickly moved into my new room that doesn't have any windows with my new roommates Eric, Sean (different Sean), and Adam (Sean and Adam came in during winfly 6 weeks ago). After my first meal of turkey and potatoes, I headed to the Coffee house where I met a bunch of new people and started some great friendships. I know this will be a day I will never forget.