Back in the world....

       I arrived last night and returned all of my gear. It was late, dark (again), and overwhelming to say the least. I can count my blessings that I was in New Zealand rather than say LA or NY. Not that the US doesn't have a certain je ne sais quoi, but New Zealanders are somewhat less in your face and very helpful. I truly can't save enough about the kindness of New Zealanders as a whole. I highly recommend a visit if you ever have the chance.
       So back to the matter at hand, reentry into society. After spending literally every waking moment with the same 43 people, seeing a different face, be it strange; was both confusing, and invigorating. The confusion lies in the fact of the relationship you have with people after that long in a confined space. The unspoken words, and gestures that say it all now gone; I find myself tripping over thoughts and words. After a full day of interaction, I now am finding it easier. Not nearly as bad as I had expected. Also in my favor is that Christchurch is very knowledgeable about the Antarctic program and its workings. It seems as if everyone here knows about "us".
      After spending months in the dark and cold, one would assume I would be used to it, but I actually was chilly last night; chilly enough for a sweatshirt and jacket. Odd. I have been taken by the whole day-night phenomena. The sun just set and I went for a walk, essentially to nowhere. It was really nice to go for a walk without fear of freezing to death. The streets still alive and people finishing their daily routine; seemed busy for this quiet town. I managed to not walk in front of a car this time; unlike last year; being as they drive on the wrong side of the road.....or left.....well they do it different here; but I survived.
    Well, that is all for now, I will leave you with  before and after pictures from the past year. I will update all that care to read soon; tomorrow.....Thailand! Many more interesting countries and adventures as I zig-zag my way back to the States....

 

Yeah Winter!!!! Can't wait.....

 

Winter.....when does the plane get here?....can't wait...

 

Sometimes you just have to laugh.....

I'mmmmmm Baccccck..........

I'mmmm Back......... Well not officially yet, but coming soon.

It's hard to believe but a year is almost over...

I have tried to continue this blog from The Pole, but due to poor internet speeds and satellite coverage I gave up. As I write this the satellite pass is dwindling and I will probably be forced to save this and post it in the middle of the night.

 I will be returning soon.(at least to the blog)  In about 90 days to be more precise. I'm sure you all wait with baited breath...the anticipation pulsing through your veins. Could this be bigger than the next Twilight release?....Bigger than Pepsi's Superbowl commercial?? ....only time will tell.

I will be reflecting on the year I am just wrapping up at The South Pole; a year in review if you will.
Also I will be sharing pictures and stories about my upcoming adventure....more info to follow.

 I will say only that it will take from early November until early January for me to make my way home. So stay tuned for more excitement and World exploration.....

I'mmmm Backkk........

Well it's been nine months and here I am...back in Antarctica. This time I will be spending; if all goes as planned; one year at Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station. If you followed last years adventures, I came here and fell in love with it; Antarctica first, then The South Pole. Things are very different here...well that goes without saying, but I mean in comparison to McMurdo, where I spent six months last year. I am excited, but not nervous too the point of nausea like last year. I guess I am "an old hat", don't know where that came from but it seemed to fit. So, here I sit 530 am on a Sunday morning trying to recall nine months of memories....So I guess this will be a short welcome back post to anyone who may venture to read this. I think I will get a cup of coffee, and scroll through pictures in a feeble attempt to ready myself for some serious catching up. I will say that if you care to read on I spent about 5 months hiking on The Appalachian Trail. I guess that's where I should pick up next time....rewind like a confusing movie riddled with flashbacks. No I will just back up to March and then continue chronologically....

Till Next Time.............

(Once Again)......


Cooking on Ice!

 

 

Pictures from The Appalachian Trail. 2 1/2 Weeks....130 miles....

Here are some of the best and worst times of my life so far. It has been pretty rough and slow going! The views at the tops are awesome, still debating weather its worth summiting EVERY mountain, but..... oh well. The people I've met are awesome. One older guy picked us up walking into town in the rain. He summarized it best in saying, "hiking the AT restored my faith in people...." He said you discover that there are still good people in the world. It was true for me again when last night a young couple drove us, cold wet, and dirty...oh and stinking, into town, miles out of their way. By us I mean four filthy hikers and a wet dog...with all our gear!

So, I made it through Georgia....thank God! Now I'm into North Carolina. I will be in The Smokies in about three days. After that.....? Well one thing at a time.

I'm having trouble posting pictures on here, but I'll keep trying...

....until next time.....

uhhh....don't have a catch phrase yet....

but like they say here....
"I'm thru-hiking, till I'm through hiking.."

The Appalachian Trail.....day 4

Four days in to my hike, I lie in my bunk at a mountain hostel in Georgia. About 30 miles into it I have mixed emotions. I am enjoying the outdoors, the adventure, and the people I've met thus far. The rugged terrain of the mountains....well that's a different story. So far I have reduce my pack size twice. My original weight was a little over 50#. About 15 or 20# over were I should be. A learning process to say the least. Mentally it is challenging, physically it has been harder than I expected. It has been a roller coaster.....Way! less fun. So I guess I can summarize with the fact that at this point I am still committed to finish, but it will be far from a walk in the park. I will update as much as I can.....when I am in a town, and have the energy. Well its dinner time...sloppy joes cooked by the hostel. Shower, dinner, and food....awesome! Pictures next time. Promise....

The Appalachian Trail.....day 1

Well I made it....I'm in Georgia. Yet another adventure begins. I am staying at a hostel, my first ever. So tomorrow I begin a 2100 mile trek to Maine. If you have been following my blog, these posts will undoubtedly be shorter. I will try to post items of interest and as many pictures as possible. Where as before I battled just exhaustion and fought to stay awake; now I will mainly be concerned with battery life and Internet connection... oh yeah and the whole walking cross country thing. So just a quick hello and update...more to come. All I need is a new catch phrase.... any suggestions?

Final Post of Antarctica

Well....it's over. It now seems so distant, almost like a dream. It was a very difficult but wonderful six months. I met some amazing people and had some remarkable adventures.

The sun is starting to set again, and the weather is going back to true Antarctic harshness....

The experience over all was great, I learned about myself, about other people, what I assume college would've been like, and how to cook for 1000 people. I learned about being part of a community and working while living with a large group of people. I think this will go to the top of my list of greatest adventures of my life. It will also go on the list of places I will have a sense of attachment to, and that at some point I considered and will consider home.......

So for the last time.......

                              "Cooking on ICE!"



Don't worry, I'll be back, hopefully next year AND...... There is a new adventure about to begin. Please follow my journey along The Appalachian Trail........... I will be updating on this blog and on my web page through The Lance Armstrong Foundation.

http://laf.livestrong.org/goto/billmorrishike4hope