Photo copyright: Kathleen Gavahan

Yes, those are helicopters. We’ll be doing helicopter operations over the ice and over the water once we’re further south. You can see how well they’re secured to the hangar! There are only a few inches between the blades and the walls.

The helicopter pilots let me wear a flight helmet and sit inside! I loved it, and I can’t wait to fly in one. The flight helmet that I’m wearing will let me communicate with the pilot and other passengers by radio, since it will be too loud for conversation. And just so you know, those highly fashionable overalls I’m wearing are part of my clothing issue while I’m in Antarctica.