International Antarctica Center

Our morning was spent at the Park doing laundry and schoolwork. Most facilities only have one set of machines so it takes quite a while to do a load of darks and whites. Laundry time in Wanaka where everything came out pink taught me the lesson again to do two loads. I thought for sure that shirt had been washed enough times already! AD worked on at his stuff. It was another morning of screaming for us.

Christchurch is home to the NZ, Italian and USA International Antarctica Center. The two countries have worked as partners since 1955 on the continent. All flights with staff and supplies leave this airport. It's only 2300 km to the station and the flights fly from August to March. Antarctica is the windiest, driest, coldest and highest continent on earth.

At the Center, there is a Hagglund ride which is the all terrain vehicle used on the continent. The drive shows you how it can cross crevasses up to 2 meter wide, drive upwards on 45 degree grades and 38 degree side grades. It also floats in case the vehicle crashes through the ice. AD rode in the front seat and enjoyed the attention of the driver.

Inside the facility, there are exhibits about the conquest of the continent. Another area demonstrates what it feels like to be in a storm. You dress in rubbers and a jacket, then enter an ice encrusted room with an igloo. (we wore shorts -- big mistake) The regular temperature is -5C until the storm starts every 30 minutes. Even in the summer, there are wind storms every few days. Videos are playing throughout the displays to inform you about the weather, lifestyles of resident scientists, and wildlife.

Emperor Penguins are almost a meter tall. There are 3 other types of penguins who call Antarctica home. Two types of sea lions live off the abundant stock of krill and the penguins. Surprisingly a number of different types of vegetation also survive while they are very low growing!

The weather changed dramatically today from yesterday's warmth. It was cool enough for long pants and sweater by afternoon. Fortunately the pool at the Park was heated. I went over with AD and used the slide a few times. The water wasn't all that warm. We had tacos for dinner which was a nice change.

AD Journal

In Christchurch, New Zealand they have a International Antarctic Center. There are three Countries who have Antarctic programs and they are the United States, New Zealand, and Italy. Seventy percent of all the worlds scientists going to Antarctica fly from Christchurch. This program has been operating since 1955. Scientists are studying temperature changes and it's effect on the patterns of life. As the water temperature gets warmer some of the sea animals that like cold water may die.

At the Antarctic Center we rode in a Hagglund all terrain vehicle. These vehicles weigh 5 tons and are the main the way to get around in Antarctica. The best part about the Hagglund is that it can float. To get to Antarctica you take a special plane that can hold up to 8 of these 5 ton vehicles. These planes have ski's to help them land on ice and snow. They are paid for from the United States citizens taxes.

I learned many fun facts about the Antarctic. For example, at the North Pole the ice is 12-14 feet thick, but at the South Pole (Antarctica) the ice is 9,000 feet thick. Antarctica is the windiest, coldest, driest and highest of all the continents. The average mean temperature is -40F. The coldest temperature ever recorded on earth was -129F in 1983.

New Zealand

NZ 3

Christchurch, New Zealand

Dec. 2nd - International Antarctica Center

New Zealand