Full Summary:

What would you do if you knew someone that was working in Antarctica and the worst winter storm of the season suddenly sprung up on you? What would you do if you couldn't get to them and their team of dogs until winter was over? Would you wait till winter was over just to find out if they were safe? Or would you defy everything and everyone that you knew just to find out if your friend is alive? Rated T.

African Team:

Twenty-four dogs for the team, one person who handles them all. The worst winter storm to hit, hit while the team and I were out exercising. The team: Aaron: the doctor, Cody-the photo analysis and map coordinator; Sarah: the computer genus; Coby-the pilot who pilots everyone to our Research base; and Alyanna (me): the sled guide who took people to the designated areas that they want to go to.

I had gotten the dogs up and harnessed them onto the sled and then we had taken off after breakfast for a quick exercise run-about 2 miles. The radio was tied into the pack on the sled, so when I heard it crackling, I stopped the sled and let the dogs rest.

"Aaron to Alyanna, do you copy?"

"I copy Aaron. What is it?"

"There's a major storm coming in. we need you to get back as soon as possible so we can get the heck outta here."

"Alright, were on our way home. Pack my stuff up and we'll be there as soon as possible, Alyanna out."

"Aaron out."

"Looks like we're heading home kids, alright let's go."

I turned the kids around and we headed back toward the base. We never made it. The radio started crackling again and I knew it was Aaron trying to get a hold of me. I stopped the dogs again and picked up the radio.

"Aaron we're almost home, don't worry about it."

"You won't make it out with us on this trip. Coby said he'd come straight back for you and the dogs. We're leaving your gear in side along with the dogs' gear. There's enough food hear to last a couple months if we can't get back to you. But, don't worry, Coby promises that he'll be able to come back for you."

"Alright Aaron, I'll see ya'll when I get picked up. Alyanna out."

"Aaron out."

We continued back toward the base and when we got there, everyone was gone. I put the sled away and brought the dogs inside. The heat was already on. I made some coffee and waited by the radio for Coby to call and tell me he was on his way back to pick me up. Four hours later I got that call.

"Coby calling Alyanna."

"Coby, about time. When you coming to pick me up?"

"I'm not. Nobody's going back out there. The winter teams have been canceled. I'm sorry. Do you want me to tell your dad anything?"

"Tell him that I love him and that I'll see him when I get off this island."

"Alright, Coby out."

"Alyanna out."

I looked over at the dogs that were looking at me.

"Looks like it's just us down here this winter kids. Come on, let's see what we can rummage up for dinner."

I got a resounding bark from the kids and started looking for some food for us. My mind drifted to the long and lonely days ahead that meant I was going to be alone on Antarctica with my kids.