Starting on the right foot - procrastination

And so, here I am, less than 24 hours until I depart for Chile / Antarctica, and I haven't packed yet. It's been a whirlwind over the past month getting ready for this trip. I've had so much go wrong, and yet it all seems to be falling into place (thankfully).

It's really sad - everyone is always asking me "so aren't you excited???" and I haven't been able to be yet, because I've been stressed / worried / anxious. I'm positive when I'm sitting on the plane ready to take off in Atlanta tomorrow night, I'm going to be just buzzing with excitement. Because...I mean...I will be in Antarctica in a little over a week. Holy crap.

Unfortunately I don't know how my internet situation is going to be down there. I should have it on the ship, but it will likely be limited to a certain amount every day. We shall see. I will certainly try to keep this blog as up-to-date as possible (and include pictures when I can). At the very least, I'll write posts while there, and post them in an internet cafe in Punta Arenas, Chile, around October 1st.

Here's my basic itinerary if you're interested:

• Sept 9th - Fly from Atlanta to Miami, overnight from Miami to Santiago, Chile
• Sept 10th - Arrive in Santiago, fly to Punta Arenas.  Get settled in my hotel, check my supplies, weigh chemicals, load the ship (maybe) prepare. 
• Sept 13th - Boat departs for Palmer Station, Antarctica
• Sept 18th - Boat arrives in Antarctica
• September 26th - Boat leaves Antarctica for Punta Arenas
• October 1st - Boat arrives in Punta Arenas.  Unpack ship, mail samples back, organize / store supplies for the other cruise in January (for Dr. Hollibaugh).
• October 4th to 7th - Be a tourist in Punta Arenas
• October 8th to 12th - Be a tourist in Santiago
• October 12th - Fly back to the US, arriving on the 13th.

Alright, time to start packing.  Wish me luck!  I'll update as soon as I can.