Hello Everyone!
Report #2 from McMurdo Station, Antarctica:
1. Penguins!
2. Coast Guard Icebreaker!
3. The details about what is in ECW gear
4. Daily status
1. Penguins!
Yes, for the first
time in my 4 trips here, I now have actually caught a glipse of some penguins!
I did get a photo or two. The group of Adelie penguins are just at the
edge of the station, by the "historic" district of
the station, which I will talk more about in future notes to you. This
is only a small group - about 12 or so. I was unable to get really close,
but that the rules. The Antarctic Treaty and the US Antarctic Conservation
Act are US public law that state that you cannot interrupt wildlife.
2. Coast Guard
Icebreaker!
Over the weekend, a red ship was out in front the station - the USCG Polar
Star - a coast guard cutter - as arrived in McMurdo Sound to cut a channel
from the ice edge to McMurdo Station. This channel will be needed by the
the resupply vessel the M/V Greenwave the resupplies the station. The
Polar Star just returned from doing several science missions on the way
down. One of which was helping to repair three of our AWS units along
the Adelie Coast in Antarctica.
3. The details about what is in ECW gear
I wanted to give you an idea of what exactly is in that the 35 pounds of ECW - Extreme Cold Weather - gear. Here's a grocery list of the minimal ECW gear that I get (and I really don't go "camping" in the Antarctic like many researchers do):
Parka (Either the
special heavy duty red snow goose or tan carhart)
Windpants
Polar fleece bibs or trousers
Polar fleece jacket
2 pairs cotton long underwear
6 pairs heavy wool socks
1 pair of "bunny" boots - very heavy duty rubber boots
1 pair of goggles
2 pairs of mittens with liners
2 pairs of gloves with liners
Yahzoo cap
Knit hat
Balaclava and neck gaitor
Wind breaker jacket
Water bottle
There are a few more
items too. Its a hefty load to wear/carry.
4. Daily status
That's all of the
fun topics for today. I'm busy working on fixing up a few bug (pesky Y2K),
and getting our broken computer new life, with the aid of one of McMurdo's
computer administrators.
I hope all is well with you!
Cheers,
Matthew