Just as summer kicks off in New Zealand, Kerry Barton packs her sunscreen and heads to Antarctica to spend two months with thousands of Adelie penguins.
On the way from her Nelson home, the Landcare Research scientist stops off at Antarctica New Zealand in Christchurch. There she picks up several layers
of clothing that will protect her against temperatures ranging from -5C to -15C, and gale-force winds.
During the nightless Antarctic summer she will wear polypropylene underwear, polar fleece tops and windproof layers that vary in thickness according to the cold.
"On extra-cold days I look like [tyre company mascot] the Michelin man," she laughs. But appearances are the least of her worries at Cape Bird, a short flight from Scott Base. Barton's past 12 Christmases have been white, spent with up to seven other scientists on the coldest, highest, driest and windiest continent in the world.
"We rely on a buddy system," says Barton. "You have to be aware of how people around you are behaving, so you can pick up signs of hypothermia. I might have to tell someone their cheeks or nose have signs of frostnip, because they won't be able to feel it until it's too late."
Eating the right food is vital in ensuring her body can combat the cold.
"You need a lot of fat and calories - cheese, nuts, and as much chocolate as I want!"
She keeps going back because she finds Antarctica addictive. "We watch icebergs float past, whales swim by, and Adelie penguins are such cool animals to work with. The science is exciting because we're working in a simple, unspoilt ecosystem."
