Temps at pole this week have been -85 F, but at least pole doesn't have the winds that McM does. I just learned that even though actual altitude at pole is 9,300 feet, the low barometric pressure at the pole means that physiologically it will feel more like being at 11,000 feet. If there's a low pressure system, it could feel like 12,500', and that's just the air pressure, not taking into account the compromised body functions (eg breathing) due to the extreme cold. I just might try diamox.
And the living…
right now i'm still living in a dorm. regular building. the women's bathroom is just down the hall. when i get to the pole, the bathroom facilities are in a separate building, so i'll have to get all dressed in extreme cold weather gear just to get there from my room, which will be a much smaller space than where i am now. i think i will have a pee bottle for middle of the night, which i cannot leave on the floor or it will freeze overnight. must put liquids on a higher shelves where it is warmer, along with boots for the next day so they are not frozen.
water is not as much of an issue here at mcm--they desalinate the sea water--but at the pole, water is much more scarce--it all has to be melted from the deep ice plateau and pumped up. so they limit showers at pole to only two 2-minute showers per week. that's what i know for now. will see when i get there in a month.
Population difference will be about 200 vs 1100. There's not much of a view at the pole. I'll miss the mountains. and no wildlife either. oh well. hope to see penguins here before I head south.
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