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Jude McKendry
Meet our Antarctic traveller
Jude is setting off on an incredible journey down to Antarctica this year. She will be on the Our Far South ship, heading down to Antarctica and dropping in on remote sub-Antarctica places such as the Auckland Islands and Campbell Island. She is part of a crew that will take observations, do experiments, and find out about one of the coldest places on Earth. She's also looking forward to seeing her first penguin!
Jude is a primary school teacher from rural mid-Canterbury. She is also freelance author. We asked Jude to share her thoughts about the trip, and how she is getting ready for a journey of a lifetime.
Getting ready to go
Jude says, "I'm excited about the trip to Antarctica, and what I will learn on the way. I'm also really looking forward to report back to wickED about my discoveries on the voyage"
What made you want to go on the Our Far South expedition?
Going to Antarctica has always been on my ‘bucket list’. I’ve wanted to go there ever since I was training to be a teacher and showed classes around the great Antarctic section at the Canterbury Museum. I especially wanted to go on this expedition because I get the chance to see the sub Antarctic Islands en route and learn from the scientists and other talented people on board.
How did you get picked to go?
I applied on the Our Far South website. I had to write in 300 words or less why I would be suitable for this trip and how I could contribute to the expedition. I basically pleaded to be taken!
What did you have to do to prepare physically?
I bought some new tramping boots to wear on the sub Antarctic Islands and have tried to go for a walk in them every day on my farm. The only problem is my farm is on the Canterbury Plains and is very flat… so I’m hoping I don’t have to do many hill climbs on the islands.
What did you have to do to prepare mentally?
I’ve been reading lots of interesting books about people who have explored and worked in Antarctica. I have also looked at websites and blogs that show images of the sub Antarctic Islands so that I could have a better image in my mind of the type of landscape I would see. I ski at the Mt Hutt ski field which is close to our farm but I’m not sure if the cold temperatures I’ve experienced there will prepare me mentally for the cold of Antarctica or not!
What will you miss the most when you are away?
Definitely my husband and three children.
What are you taking with you?
Lots of warm clothes. Footwear to wear on the boat, on the islands, on the ice and in the zodiacs going from the ice breaker to land. Good sun protection for my face and eyes. Two cameras; I was worried that if I only took one it might break and camera repair shops are thin on the ground in Antarctica. Binoculars for better views of the wildlife. Sea sick medication and earplugs in case my roommate snores.
Did you have to leave anything behind that you wanted to take?
I think I can squeeze in everything I want to take…except by husband and children.
What will you be doing while you're on board the ship?
I hope to be doing lots of learning; there will be on board seminars and discussions about issues affecting the sub Antarctic islands, Antarctica and the seas surrounding them and there are lots of books on board for reading. I’ll be writing updates about the trip for school children and people back in New Zealand. And in between I think I’ll be playing quite a few games of cards.
What will you be doing when you are at Antarctica?
We hope to be able to visit the huts of the explorers Shackelton and Scott and to look at the facilities at Scott Base where New Zealand scientists are based. We also hope to spot the different species of penguins, seals and whales which feed and live around Antarctica.
What are you most excited about?
The entire trip! But I think I will be very emotional when I get to see Shackleton and Scott’s huts as they are a link to the amazing feats of the early Antarctic explorers.
What are you most worried about?
That something will happen to my family while I am away. I will also be double checking my bags before I leave as I don’t want to leave anything behind that I’ll need on the voyage.
What sorts of things do you expect to see on the trip?
Amazing scenery, untouched islands, floating ice bergs, towering ice shelves, historical sites, masses of birdlife, a variety of seals...and if I’m really lucky Happy Feet.
