The last few days have been preparation for going out into the field. We are charging batteries, making cables for the stations, making sure that all of our field equipment is ready, and getting our station parts organized, packed and ready to ship to our field locations. Last nightwe checked our sleep kits and tents for when we go out into the field. The sleep kit consists of a sleeping bag, two sleeping mats, pillow,sleeping bag liner, and a pee bottle (if it is windy and cold while you are camped out in Antarctica the last thing you want to do is to get out of your tent). It is important to check your equipment and know how it works in this environment. Plus, you are going a long way to fix the stations and you want to make sure that you have your stuff together.
We are scheduled to go to Siple Dome in West Antarctica on Saturday; however, the first thing that you learn about working in Antarctica is that schedules are very fluid because the weather can easily cancel all flights out of McMurdo or the aircraft can experience mechanical problem. The weather today has been very blustery with winds gusts of 40 mph and blowing snow and has canceled all air operations. The weather is forecast to improve for Friday afternoon and evening.
The photos show the weather conditions today (1/3/02): (click on picture to enlarge)
