Antarctica

As you can see from this map of Antarctica, the North Island of New Zealand is getting pretty close to the pole. There is a place called Breakers Bay that is in a direct line to the pole and it often is hit with strong winds and freezing temperatures. Very rugged coastline.

Despite the proximity to the pole, New Zealand is a very green continent. The terrain and colors remind me a lot of Ireland. Hilly, rocky, and many shades of green...and lots of sheep!

After a morning touring the city of Christchurch and the destruction left by the 2010 earthquake, we went to the International Antarctic Center to learn about life in and around the pole. One exhibit had us going into a chamber for about 6-7 minutes that was designed to simulate the living conditions you might find there. Before entering we had to put on special rubber booties and a very heavy coat. Despite the gear, it was COLD. The lights were turned low to simulate the lack of sunlight, wind blew hard, and the temperature went to about 8 without the windchill. Guess that was their summer.

Because the center is set up like a museum, we wandered through many exhibits featuring native birds, type of rock under the snow, how exploration has been done over the years, and how different countries around the world have signed treaties not to exploit the South Pole for personal gain. Cool place for sure...no pun intended!