2 October, 1998

Rise and shine at 6:30 am. Antarctic Support Association ASA, called before we left for the airport to cancel the flight today. Although disappointing, at least we didn't go through the usual pre-flight procedure. The weather in Christchurch was cold and rainy, but we needed to get away anyway, so we took a shuttle bus north to a place called Hanmer Springs, where we could hike and soak in natural spring water- it was refreshing and relaxing. Upon returning to Christchurch we attended a lecture given by a leading scientist who also does research in Antarctia- Dr. Art Defries. Defries' group studies antifreeze proteins in Antarctic fish, one adaptation allowing fish to survive is subzero water.