12/12/2016
We are back in McMurdo and the process happened quite quickly. On the 10th, it only took three Twin Otter flights to move back to Shackleton Camp. I am beginning to think of Shackleton as the resort of Antarctica, a peaceful and secluded place with all the desired amenities (though lacking WiFi). We had two overnights to re-pack bags, palletize our cargo, shower (with soap this time!), and decompress after coming out of the field. Today we loaded onto an LC-130 and arrived at McMurdo this afternoon. The whole trip seems like a blur. But just like that, the whole season is over, and we are preparing for our departure off of this continent. The end of one adventure always leads into another, but I cannot help feeling a more solid finality for this one. I do not know if I will ever return to this place. I do not foresee my return right now. Though I am also not one to set my future in stone.
Elizabeth Erickson 