laura's sister

One thing I love about Antarctica is that Laura was here first. My position as oldest and first in the family rarely puts me in a position where people relate to me through my siblings. But, here, I am "Laura's sister." People frequently ask who's older (I am) and what the age difference is (4 years). I have been called "Laura" more times than I can count and perpetually asked if I have a twin.

Laura sent a couple of e-mails when the first two planes landed at the South Pole last week (no planes or new people had been there since last February):

After the first flight on October 18 she wrote: "Also, did you know: That you look like me???? Word on the street is all."

After second flight on October 19: "More people arrived today, and more people thought I look just like you."

I am really excited to see my sister after her winter as the South Pole facilities engineer. In the meantime, we've exchanged a few items. She sent me a fun birthday present when a plane returned to McMurdo Station. One of the items in her box was a new hat that she crocheted just for me; the best gift of them all, I think! I christened it with snow the other day when I made my snow angel on the chalet deck.

I sent her a few little items as well. I had hoped to give her one of the 6 avocados that the AirForce crews had brought down for me, but the South Pole flights were delayed longer than my avocados wanted to stay fresh. Mostly, I wanted to make a connection; if not in my person, then through someone else.

Laura will be flying to McMurdo Station on November 3. She has a flight to New Zealand on November 5 and a day in between to spend time with me and her friends on Antarctica's coast.