I’m writing this a few days before we depart to prepare friends for their own dream trips. First, there is the mental commitment to go. Then the reality of a down payment. The final payment. The insurance. The medical forms… and more medical forms. 

So here we are with bags packed, just a few days to go, ready to jump into a whole new reality. It feels a bit like what moon travel will be in 70 years! But unlike the moon, this is about water, ice, penguins, birds, birds, birds, and the color blue. Okay, I’m going to reveal this. I had my toenails painted iceberg blue for the trip. Of course, no one but John will see my toes in the next two weeks, but I hope to remember that color long after we return.

As part of the preparation, we’ve also ordered a few things online. In fact, it’s a bit ridiculous. Every day another package arrives. We’ve received thermal socks, sock liners, gloves, glove liners, hats and liners, neck gaiters, waterproof trousers, long underwear, binoculars, fake N95 masks from Korea, a charging adapter for my ipen (might need it!), fuzzy boots, hand warmers (they’re heavy!) and more. There’s so much stuff around here that I’m starting to wonder if maybe a few penguins will waddle out from underneath it all!

We’re also talking to friends who’ve taken the trip and watching videos of other cruise bloggers. One group actually had an excursion to sleep on an ice floe! The hardy few packed sleeping bags and used a kind of rake to create a “bed” out of the snow! Most of the ships seem to have a “polar bear plunge” option, so we’re going prepared (a chance to show off my blue nails!) though John is more looking forward to jumping into the natural hot springs that my dad experienced back in ‘03. The unifying factor among the cruisers is that there is only a general plan for the ship. The captain makes the decisions. If the weather is good, options open up. If the weather is bad, excursions change to onboard lectures. So the plan is to stay aware and ready. When it’s time to go, be packed and in line because that may be it for the day.

But we’re not there yet. We’re not anywhere yet. We’re still in dreamland. Let’s see what the reality is. Until then… take care, my earthling friends!