We are going to a different runway this time - "Pegasus", because were are flying on a C-17, a larger jet aircraft that needs a larger runway and cargo load/unload equipment. This runway is farther away from McMurdo nearer the mainland where the ice shelf is more stable. When we arrived 3 weeks ago, all 3 lanes were very soft, slushy, and bumpy. The "bad" weather we had in the field when we ground grounded and couldn't get helo support was actually good for the ice roads, colder and windier with snow freezes them up:
It was a bit cold and very windy. To get on the flight, you have to wear all of your ECW gear, but we actually needed it here. It was about a 45 min. ride to the terminal, we arrived about 20 min. before the aircraft, and it took about 1:30 to unload and load. While outside, you needed all your stuff on. Here's the terminal lounge:
The restrooms are the little red shack in the center:
Inside the terminal:
Looking the other way, Ziggy taking a picture of me taking a picture of him taking a............
Extreme Kool Z (Ziggy) wanting a close up of our aircraft landing:
It was quite a sight to see the huge thing land, kicking up snow behind it. Here it is taxi-ing up:
About three truckloads of cargo like this got off-loaded, and headed for McMurdo:
After the return cargo is loaded, we were run out there 10 at a time in a van. Here is Ryan boarding:
The good news is, the jet means a 5 hour flight instead of the 11-hour flight we arrived on in a C-130. Even better news, it was very roomy. There were 30+ jump seats on each side, plus some airline seats mounted in the front center, and only 40-some passengers. We chose side seats because you could stretch out as far as you like, and we only had to sit in every other seat. That, and we figured we'd be stuck in airline seats soon enough. Also, the high ceiling (15-20') made it feel so wide open, like you were in a large room, not an aircraft. And, there was much better lighting. I read 1 book:
A view out the window:
A wonderful flight. Most leg-room I've ever had. We received a box lunch before we left, and there was water on-board. The only down side was that we arrived in CHC after 9:30, then had to get our bags, which takes a while because it is all palletized as cargo. Then go through customs. Then go to the Clothing Distribution Center (CDC) and check in all our issued gear. Then take a shuttle/van to the B&B, and it was after midnight. I have 1 free day tomorrow in CHC to be a tourist, and begin the flight home Wed.
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