Miss Harr's Packing List

1/17/2012

What's in my Suitcase?

As I was preparing for my Antarctic adventure, it seemed like everyone was wondering the same question... What do you pack for a trip of a lifetime?

Antarctica is the most remote place on earth. In fact, its considered an enormous icy desert. Its unparalleled environment makes it similar to visiting another planet!

Check out my photos below. Does the underbelly of our planet compare to anything you've ever experienced before?

And, since there are no Walmart or Target stores nearby, I had to be extra careful to pack all the essentials for my six week adventure. I was very happy to receive help from Crestwood Middle School students below!

Crestwood middle school students have been learning about Antarctica's remote environment. They helped me brainstorm items to pack for my scientific polar mission! Thanks for helping me gear up for my trip!

After much deliberation, here is what arrived in my suitcase to Antarctica! Does anything surprise you?

Electronics/Travel Items:

backpack
laptop & case
watch
alarm clock
camera & case
batteries
Gigapan camera
notebook
journal
pens
book
Ipad
passport
Credit card
cash
polarized sunglasses
snacks
phone card
water bottle

Clothing:

fingerless gloves
insulated gloves
warm hat
scarf
thermal undershirts
thermal underwear
hiking socks
hiking boots
thermal vest
thermal fleece
sweater
thermal long sleeves
hiking pants
underwear
jeans
workout clothes
tennis shoes
pajamas
slippers
robe
swim suit
insulated rain coat
snowboots

Toiletries:

OTC Medicines
lotion
vaseline
toothbrush
toothpaste
hairbrush
shampoo
conditioner
bath towel
sunscreen
hairdryer
laundry bag
chapstick

18 Comments

Christian Purr Ms. soos class 9th prd

1/17/2012 02:42:42 am

I was toping by to stay how good the pictures look. Also in the penguins picture what is all the red stuff there stanging on? I also enjoyed looking at the pictures of the seals an birds. They are really good. Keep us updated.

Nature Nat

1/17/2012 09:15:46 pm

Hello Christian,

I'm glad you like the photos. It's so fun to take pictures here. Most of the time, penguins as beautiful, pristine animals. BUT, when they are in their rookery, they behave more like barn animals! The pink "stuff" is their feces. I know...YUCK! They are not far from the water, so they do jump in and clean off often!!! Needless to say, they can be very smelly animals too!

Karen Muenze

1/17/2012 09:01:38 am

The photos you've been posting are amazing! What a beautiful location! I also enjoy seeing the work of the Crestwood students posted on the website.
Take care!

Nature Nat

1/19/2012 02:33:20 am

Hi Aunt Karen and Uncle Steve,

Thanks for following my adventure. I've taken so many photos that it's hard to pick which ones to put on here!!! Can't wait to show you them in person:)

Bonnie Soos

1/17/2012 09:43:40 am

Hey Nat!! I have been anxiously awaiting your next blog posting and once again I am absolutely blown away!! The landscape is stunning...the wildlife amazing. The Crestwood Middle School did an awesome job helping you pack for your adventure. Very creative!! I can't wait until your next posting! Happy blogging!!

Bonnie

Nature Nat

1/19/2012 02:35:06 am

Hi Sis!

Your classes are asking wonderful questions on the blog. Can't wait to skype with you on Monday. Thanks for ALL OF YOUR SUPPORT! Love you:)

Chayse Staten

1/18/2012 02:52:54 am

I really enjoy listening to everything that's been going on in Antartica! Hopefully everything goes well.

Nature Nat

1/19/2012 02:38:57 am

Hi Chayse,

Everything has been going great. We collected plenty of Belgica antarctica today for our next round of experiments. So glad you are following along!

Dave Philibin

1/18/2012 07:30:59 am

Natalie,
What a wonderful blog!!! Really enjoying the fantastic photos and movies. Have you been able to use the iPad? IMovie?
Whatever tech you are using, please continue.... The results are awesome. Take Care and Be Safe. (meeting with your staff on Tuesday for more iPad)

Nature Nat

1/19/2012 03:08:56 am

Hi Dave!

It's great to hear from you. I'm glad you're enjoying the blog. I've been using imovie ALOT, so thanks again for all your help! Stay tuned for the gigapan images. We just patched the photos together, and it's incredible!!!!

The Baynes Family

1/18/2012 11:13:16 am

We are really enjoying reading your blog. The pictures are amazing. COSI was at the primary school today sorry you missed it. The kids had a blast. Aspen is enjoying hearing about your cool adventure.

Miss Harr (a.k.a Nature Nat)

1/20/2012 03:37:43 am

The Baynes Family,

Thanks for following my adventure! I heard the COSI assembly did a great job teaching the students about astronomy. I haven't seen stars in a long time, since it's daylight all the time here. I hope you can make it to the movie night tonight. I'll have a special message for those who come!

Abbey Wilson

1/18/2012 10:05:57 pm

Hi Nature Nat!
Your pictures are amazing!! I can't believe how incredible the scenery is. My students and I really enjoy checking out your site! Can't wait to hear about it when you return from the bottom of the earth!
Abbey

Nature Nat

1/20/2012 03:39:24 am

Hi Abbigail!

The scenery here is breathtaking. It may inspire me to paint when I get home. Tell your students that I said hello! Thanks for following the adventure. Enjoy your snow day:)

Mrs. Krupar's class

1/19/2012 04:40:03 am

We didn't know you took snowpants. How is your weather? It is snowing here and 25 degrees. The webcam showed sunny skies at Palmer station. How warm is it there?

Nature Nat

1/20/2012 03:44:22 am

Hello Mrs. Krupar's class!

I heard that it's snowing at school right now. Here at Palmer, it's cloudy and about 32 degrees. The weather changes here very quickly, so I hope the sun shines again soon! As long as I dress in layers, I stay pretty comfortable outdoors. Since I arrived, I've seen rain, snow, hail, clouds, wind and clear weather. Let me know if I can answer anymore questions. Have a great weekend!

Pat Betteley

1/19/2012 04:24:07 pm

Have you taken the plunge yet?
How's the food?
LOVING the photos, minute-by-minute commentary, & videos.
Thinking of you often,
Pat

Nature Nat

1/20/2012 03:47:25 am

Hi Polar Pat!

Here's missing you in Antarctica. Thanks for preparing me so well for the trip. No, I haven't taken the plunge yet. I have a feeling that I will really soon. The food here is incredible! I'll give you a call soon!

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.