In the early hours of 10 February 1913 an old converted whaler crept like a phantom into the little harbour of Oamaru on the east coast of New Zealand's South Island and dropped anchor . For many men on board this was their first smell of grass and trees in over twenty six months, but with secrecy only two of her officers were landed before the ship weighed anchor and slipped back out to sea to disappear into the pre dawn gloom from which she had emerged. the ship that had so quietly stolen into Oamaru harbour was the "Terra Nora" the news was of Captain Scotts death on his return from the South Pole and within hours it was around the world .
- Author David Crane , Scott of the Antarctic

Winter over 22 CHAPTER 1

It is tales like the one above that I grew up on . A hunger for adventure , an eagerness to explore and complete attention to anyone that was excited to share a story of their travels . I would chew through books like 'The famous five ' Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn' & Peter Pan and more .Id often disappear to the back of the farm, my imagination taking me on wild adventures , building shelters, huts in trees , catching eels ,climbing the roofs of sheds to pick elderberries and hanging out in woolsheds (they were always full of treasures I could add to my dowry).
A typical kiwi kid ,that I guess never grew up.
Fast forward 30 something adventurous years - Here I sit , in a hotel room in Christchurch New Zealand day 12 of 14 for pre deployment isolation trying to avoid the 'Covid' pandemic - the wave at its peak around the country. Having had two PCR tests during my time here , taking all efforts not to affect the South Pole community. It is all worth it.
0600 Monday morning I am to be picked up by shuttle and taken to the Antarctic Centre for check in . The plan being to board with 40 other like mined individuals( Cohort 7) onto a RNZAF 757 bound for Phoenix Airfield for a 0900 departure .
I think the news of my trip to the far far south did not surprise many and for those that know me well , know exactly how ESTATIC I am for the chance .
It was a whirl wind to sort life affairs in the far north. To those that helped me for the fast paced departure I will be forever grateful.
Reaching out to a contact at the American base Mcmurdo Station , I wrote expressing my interest in such an opportunity. Having just acquired Senior Firefighter rank within Fire and Emergency New Zealand I knew it was that without at least 4 years experience in the job It would be highly unlikely to be considered. Following the strict process , committing to the thorough health checks ,security checks and interviews , A last minute offer for the Winter Deployment has me admitting to myself that 'shit' this might just be happening. I better start telling the right people. Talk about living on the edge . Receiving my Itinerary on my last day at work Thursday 24th Feb .. I was chasing my tail packing up house and home and Flying that Sunday 27th to begin quarantine for 14 days. Quick goodbyes and the journey begins.

What I know already and what I am to expect.
During my time in isolation there has been many zoom meetings with the Cohort 7 group with majority of the 40 something all from USA, some having been down for many seasons , some like myself ,fresh eyed and bushy tailed and ready for the culture shock .The group being made up of plumbers, scientists ,firefighter, admin, chefs, engineers, defense and more.
Antarctica is known for all extremes , the coldest , driest ,dustiest ,most isolated place on the planet . It has been likened to that of being in space.
The population over the Summer season in Mcmurdo is in the early 1000's With majority of all science projects happening during the warmer and lighter months . A hive of activity for all the people lucky enough to experience this, including all marine life comes alive. The boats can dock and the planes can fly.
Winter slows down , The population decreasing with every flight home .Day light currently decreasing 15 minutes per day. It is estimated that this Winter, there will be around 130 people at Mcmurdo and 16 at Scotts base (NZL base) The South Pole closed completely.
I have been told that the last sunset will be April 19 and will not rise till some time in August (date to be confirmed).The notion of complete darkness is interesting , I found myself a little apprehensive , the thought has me concerned for all of five seconds , a little flicker of" that's a little unnerving , how will I handle that? , mentally ,emotionally and even physically" but after that 5 seconds in my usual Helen style I am excited for the experience of it all . The extremity's of everything .I want it all . The core shaking storms , the lock ins , the twilight days, the sting of the cold , the Auroras(polar lights). making new friends , learning all about the history of the first Polar expeditions and the legendary tales . The day I see the huts left behind ,will be true highlights of my life . Every where I look will be North!
I am no scientist nor expert but will do my absolute best to fact check myself and explain as best I can .
My knowledge is at the basic level and even two weeks in isolation watching YouTube clips , reading and talking to others on the ICE wont compare to what I am about to endure , learn and experience.

It is with this blog I write for myself , to capture the journey , to look back on , to reflect , to keep me sane , but mainly to give loved ones and other curious creatures an insight into something they may never get to experience but want too through my journey .
There will be novels , quick updates , there will be no routine but it will get real and at times raw. So come with me on an adventure , happy reading .
Your modern day explorer
Helz

Documentary styled film made by Andrew Powell - Antarctica , A year on ice
Gives you a great insight to life down there .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7v3brMQjyE