The first stop is the Clothing Distribution Center operated by Antarctic Support Services, which is the contractor that actually operates Antarctic stations and camps for the U.S. National Science Foundation. About 30 of us are scheduled to fly to McMurdo on Friday. They include one other journalist, Bob Boyd a science writer with the Knight-Ridder newspapers Washington Bureau, scientists, and others who'll be working in Antarctica. We're told to try everything on and exchange it if it doesn't fit perfectly.
Tight clothing can restrict blood flow, leading to a danger of frostbite.
I leave a regular suitcase in the Center's storage room with things I won't need in Antarctica such as short-sleve shirts, dress shoes, and a raincoat.