The return flight on December 7 from Christchurch to Munich via Dubai was only normal business. The curious tension I felt 6 weeks ago when I travelled in the opposite direction towards Antarctica was gone. Now I’m sitting for already more than a week in my cosy office and have to deal only with my computer – no more ice-cold temperatures, strong winds and working with the instruments out in the field while managing the everydays life huddled together in two small tents.
Whether our expedition was a success will be seen in the coming weeks when we analyze our data. A first glimpse of them out on Darwin looked promising. In every case, this campaign was for me certainly a big event. I had the privilege to do research in a splendid and unique environment. And I mastered the challenge to spend three weeks far away from civilization on a glacier at the other side of our home planet.
Would I do it again? Certainly; there is still so much to do in Antarctica which is worth another stay. If I would get another chance I’ll tell you about it in another blog.
Many supported me participating in the TIDEx campaign, including
I also want to mention my colleagues at EOC. Without their approval I would not have been able to put aside my tasks and duties here at the institute for 1 ½ months. Finally I would like to thank Manfred Gottwald. From the e-mails and photos I had sent him from Antarctica he created the travel reports in the TIDEx blog. I hope they allowed the readership to participate in my adventure.