After 30 days camping on the ice and doing scientific research, it was finally time to go. We spent a wonderful day going on a field trip into the valleys around our camp.

Then, it was time for the helicopter to take us back to McMurdo Station. I was very tired and I was ready to finally take a shower. I hadn't taken a shower for 30 days! I hadn't had a salad or any fresh vegetables for 30 days! I was ready to sleep in a bed in a building with a heater.

I got into the helicopter and waved goodbye to those that were staying behind to break down the camp. As the helicopter lifted off, I could see our line of flags in the distance. I thought of all the work we had done. I thought of the friends I'd made in the months I'd been in Antarctica.

The relief and emotion of leaving was overwhelming. I was proud of myself and the work I completed. The helicopter zoomed away and I cried as I watched our camp get smaller in the distance. I thought of all I had been through to get to Antarctica and all that had happened here. I wondered about the friends I made that live in other parts of the world. I worried I wouldn't see as much of them as I would like. Still, I am happy I came to Antarctica and made such wonderful new friends.