A Chilean Air Force C-130 Hercules plane arriving!
We got to the airport on Sunday, because there is a plane here – a Chilean Air Force plane this time. (And ended up paying a little less than planned—shocking, but a nice change). It was also close to not happening, even at the last second, because a group of Chinese scientists came about 10 minutes after us, with their luggage and all, and had to leave, because we got the seats on the C-130 first!
We had to line up outside to board. Can't believe we're boarding to leave already!
So here we are on the plane back to South America, a day and a half early. It is forever a drama to get on and off Antarctica. But Antarctica was VERY good to us. Lots of great people, international culture, awesome science, fantastic experiences, adorable animals, sweet glaciers and icebergs, exhausting but exhilerating treks, scary falling-down-snow-cliffs events, views of Earth the way it should be—before we mess it up—and on and on! It was kind of a sad sight – that last sight of the land, then the last sight of the icebergs out the window. But it was amazing, and I would not trade a SECOND of it for anything!!
Saying goodbye to the blue icebergs out the window
