Febuary 14, 2002 -  Hi everyone, I've made it to Palmer Station!  The last stop on my Antarctic journey and my last home away from home.  I've been travelling for the last few weeks in order to get to Palmer so I haven't been able to check me e-mail.  I appologize if you've tried to write me in the last few weeks and I haven't responded yet.  I'll play catch up now, so please be patient.  In the mean time, I've updated my journal with a final entry from McMurdo and also entries describing my journey to South America and then on to Palmer.  As always, let me know what you think and enjoy!

       January 15, 2002 - Happy New Year!  All right, I just got back from the South Pole and I feel like it's time to give another update.  So go ahead and see what I was up to in the month of December!

       December 2, 2001 - Hello everyone, I know it's been forever since there's been anything new to look at, but finally, I give you a first look at Antarctica through the eyes of a scout.  Tell me what you think and enjoy!

       October 2, 2001 - Who would ever think when growing up that one day they would get the chance to work in Antarctica?  Not me that's for sure, but the minute I heard about the opportunity, I knew I had to go for it.  Every few years (now it's every two years) the U.S. Office of Polar Programs at the National Science Foundation asks the Boy Scouts of America to select one Eagle Scout to travel to Antarctica and work as a research aid.  There are two basic requirements: being between the ages of 17-21 and being an Eagle Scout.  The application includes letters of recommendation and personal statements. 
       In the spring of 2000, I read an article written by a scout by the name of Ben Hasse.  Ben traveled to Antarctica as part of this program in the summer season of 1998-1999.  After reading his story I caught the Antarctic bug and knew I had to at least apply for this unusual opportunity.  Thinking about it now, applying for the program was quite a long shot, but I am glad I didn't see that then because maybe I wouldn't have applied. 
       Later this month, on October 18, I'll leave my home in sunny California for the ice of the Antarctic continent.  For all you worried about a California boy in Antarctica, just relax; I am working on a beard.  Check out the picture, look at the scruffy face, and that's without shaving for only a month.
       Once I arrive in Antarctica, I'll have the opportunity to observe and help scientists at the three U.S. bases (McMurdo Station, the South Pole Station, Palmer Station) and also in various field camps.  My goal is to use this online journal to share my experiences with scouts and students, friends and family, and even fellow science buffs.  I'll upload journal entries and photos regularly from the ice, so check in periodically.  If you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail me at tbrox@att.net.