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[[on post-it note]] Darwin 79.8 158 2487
Antarctica 1978-1979

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Dec. 7, 1978  Holiday Inn, L.A. Airport; Left call for 5:30. Awoke at 2:10, Dream often that of oversleeping. (Miss the bus to Pt. Mugu; and you don't go to Antarctica.) Awake at 5:00 w. a blessed 2nd chance. Dressed, Final packing, & down to check out at 6:00. Breakfast buffet - only half cup of coffee. & asked for courtesy car at 7:45. It was Loaded & ready to go. When I got on, Dean called my name. He was there ahead of me -- since yesterday noon! It never occurred to me to look for him,

Airport - UAL Terminal ~7:15. Yellow  Navy bus & Navy truck waiting for us & our baggage. Pat Lowry (ASU) already aboard. Over the next 1/2 hr a small group gathered -- only ~ 12 of an expected 22. At 8:50 we rolled into traffic bouncing & vibrating out of airport, past the Holiday Inn, thru the city, and out to the coast. Ride thru Malibu area very seedy for most of way. Air extraordinarily clear over city, mts, ocean. Wind storm passing thru on Tue. Left area clean & cold. Yesterday broke every record for the lowest high (53 [[degree symbol]]f) in downtown LA.! 

Shoals of birds riding in every bay; no surf, ocean v. calm. 
Ar: Pt. Mugu at 9:20
Lv: " " [[ditto for Pt. Mugu at " 3:40

Between times we waited; weighed in:  I checked 52 lbs - weighed 150 w camera & extras

Walked around in cold wind - bright sun; lunched at cafeteria; waited. 

Met Susan from Lamont & Scripps -- a birder who rescued her New Zealand bird book from her checked luggage so I could look at it.

¶The flight was much-dreaded. Rumored to be crowded, noisy, vibrating, smoky, w seats that never fit your back. Too hot in some areas, cold & drafty in others. No windows.

In fact, we entered the left side of plane & turned toward back. Huge pile of cargo strapped in w my big pink bag in center front. I was second aboard, Pat Lowry third; we chose front seats w. great footroom. I took aisle seat to avoid cold fuselage. Carpet on floor- wide body - seats 3 x 3. Each w.a pillow & blanket. No smoking allowed because of cargo. Earplugs offered by the bagful. all a delightful surprise. I'm very comfortable.

At ~4:00 Lunch served. Steak, potatoes, mixed veg, V-8 & 2 milks, roll, cookie. Rolled Napkin w.sugar salt pepper bottle opener toothpick, wipedrys



Transcription Notes:
[[deciphered unclear text, minor corrections. katie 10/9]]