Kate Upton in Antarctica

A little mainstream news on Valentine's Day! Last year this time, I was in a meeting to find out whether our plane would fly to Antarctica the next day. I never imagined, a year later, that a super model would be (in Antarctica) on the cover of Sports Illustrated in a bikini! It looks like the beach I was on (wink), and it's cold. Kate, you're brave!

Antarctica Clothing (always a curiosity!)

It's makes me grin to see famous or extreme adventurers still talk about their clothing.  it remains quite a feat to weather the Antarctic terrain.  In this BBC video, The UK team set out for Captain Scott Antarctic trek the phrase "technology is still quite basic" for the continent with the harshest climate.  Thanks to @AntarcticaNews for the great posts.

Alejo Contreras Staeding, guide in Antarctica

Alejo Contreras Staeding is an excellent guide.  Little did I know how excellent.  He is the first Chilean to ski to the South Pole.  It took him 97 days on a solo trip.  He is the embodiment of an Antarctic explorer.  I learned to appreciate the beauty and mystery of polar exploration from the short time with Alejo.  His enthusiasm for going places no human has ever touched is something I hadn't thought of. 
We received a certificate of exploration from the company who prepared the tour.  DAP Antarctica hosted Bill Gates last year on this same trip!

Antartica is on our minds and hearts!

I found out yesterday that Richard Branson, Founder of Virgin Group is touring Antarctica.  More great footsteps to follow!  He's blogging everyday.  His Antarctic log 7 :Antarctica is closer than you think" is something to think about.  More people every day are realizing climate change is important to understand.  This has been a busy week.  I made presentations to 55 seventh graders at Fitzsimmons Middle School, who fired great questions at me for 20 minutes.  Yesterday,  a local home school group gathered for my presentation.  Students of all ages (3 to 9) were very engaged for an hour!  I brought some my clothing for the trip.

Here's some of the girls and their parents from the WWA Home School Connection Fine Arts and Enrichment Program saying, "We are All Antarctica!"

Clothing for Antarctica Summer finalized

In the last few days, I've been laser focused on clothing for Antarctic summer. King George Island is considered the banana belt of Antarctica. That's why 12 countries have year round research stations. My final decision on clothes was made with a friend who's husband is an ice climber. He insisted that the wind factor plays a huge roll in what to wear. Point well taken. Also, he said that injuries occur in extreme places, because most people don't have the right gear. Since I live in Colorado, I can always wear the gear again!

We found a sale on a new technology in Columbia clothing. It's called Omni- Heat Thermal Reflective material. (move over polar fleece) It keeps 20% more of your body heat in. I tried it last night, it works. My new challenge is the right amount of layers so I don't sweat to much on the hikes! And yes, merino wool is still preferred for wearing your first layer for many days before cleaning. I found Icebreaker from New Zealand. It's very soft. They should know! (close to Antarctica)

Prepping for Antarctica SummerTravel

Now that I'm actually GOING to Antarctica, I see there are a lot of details. Ted Scambos of the National Snow and Ice Data Center is a mentor and supporter of my trip. He suggested a few items (new to me) such as a neck gaiter! There is controversy about silk, wool and new fabrics. I think the new fabrics that wisk moisture away from your skin, are what I'll choose. On my father's expedition they were just issued clothing. No research necessary! I love this Cool Antarctica site.