basagix field notes

I am getting adjusted back to life in Portland. There are incremental steps that are taken to reacquaint one's self after being away. Much begins in Christchurch, NZ... seeing night - which feels like a blanket or ceiling over ones head; seeing children - who seem like such little people, the smell of plants, the rush of traffic (vehicles in Mcmurdo don't go much faster than 10 mph), and the bombardment of advertising.

I have arrived back at McMurdo Station last night. I have finally finished this season's field work. I failed to keep up with the field notes 'due to' a lack of time and found that I felt I lacked originality. Most folks down here have a blog and after awhile I felt as if I were filling in a Mad Libs. With some renewed encouragement from my fan base (http://morealpinelightplease.blogspot.com/) I thought I would pass on a couple of things worth noting upon arriving back to town. First of all, I smell... and not a good smell. I know this is true, but not to what extent. It is a wise practice to head straight to housing, grab dorm room , and head directly to shower. I felt I had over indulged after 7 minutes of hot water. Following the shower one's body begins to immediately dessicate. The hot water opens the skin to the dry environment and excessive heating of buildings. Lubiderm and drinking lots of water helps relieve this. Next stop: the galley, where over 1100 people ...