Surrounded by Icebergs

The permanent ice shelf has not turned out to be so “permanent”. Remember the pressure ridges, the beautiful formations that are created where the sea ice meets the shelf, well the ice has melted beyond that. It has not melted that far in over 10 years. It has melted so far that our road the runway has cracks and they have to talk a detour around them. What if it melts entirely away so we can’t access the runway people thought. People worried.

Regardless, giant icebergs have continually floated by McMurdo, back out to the major ocean, and to see them is amazing. Such straight edges, like they were cut with a laser. Like puzzled pieces that will fit back together once they bump back into each other. They look like floating platforms that you want to jump from one to the next, like lily pads. You don’t dare, slipping into the water would be deadly, but the child in you longs for such fun. Even our old ice pier has floated away, you’ll see black and red flags on a single iceberg as it floats by and realize that you were probably walking on that piece not too long ago. It is mind boggling how quickly things change, shift, and break away here. One day open water, next day 5 foot think ice skin that you driving a Delta on.

Another stark lesson that proves life is not permanent, and neither is anything around it. Makes you thank God that he allows us each and every day. Because you never know when the solid ground you’re standing on is going to give way and float away or melt beneath you. Nothing is solid except his hold on us, and even then we are the ones that sometimes push him away preferring to leap from iceberg to iceberg in fear, instead of standing on solid ground in his care.

Adeles in Residence

A group of Adele penguins have decided to take up residence not too far outside of McMurdo. I went out today to watch them waddle around and molt, squawk and shake. I staid till I got cold, but enjoyed watching them as they continued their normal routine within my view. I think the novelty of zoos is going to be hard to over come when it comes to Antarctic wildlife. I’ve enjoyed watching God’s creatures without the glass or the bars. Without the tourist traps and cement walk ways. Even in Costa Rica, with the howler monkeys and the vibrant lizards, just watching them move while you stood beneath them, reminded me of what the Garden must have been like. What early man must have experience living among all that was created, great and small. Such awesome respect was give to us, such responsibly for us to look after them, and here I see that. Don’t harm, don’t harass, just watch and admire. Just leave them alone and you’ll be able to witness the beauty of nature. Man does not need to get involved in everything, because there is already a perfect plan in place.

Stranded

Standing out in the cold, surrounded by chattering voices, holding crystal glasses up bubbly, we all waited. Straining to see the runway in the distance, the buildings no more than small specks on the horizon. The time was 1pm and we had gathered to toast the last flight out. This was it, no turning back now. Our last chance to leave was taking flight, and we were all glad to see it go. No more waiting for the winter, it had started. Now the base, filled with 151 people was complete, these were the inhabitants of the island for the next seven months. Friends, foes, crazy, sane, loud, quiet, no matter the personality they were going to be my community for the next 28 weeks and it was thrilling. I was staying the winter. No more doubts about passing tests, losing contracts, or changing minds. Things were settled. Finally.

Suddenly over the radio, a voice broke through “The plane has lifted off.” Silence blanketed the crowd as we all turned and saw a small pill raise into the sky. The Airbus was taking off, and a sit made it’s ascent across the sky, we raised our glasses, and with laughter and good cheer was toasted it away. Good by Summer, hello winter. And now it’s back to work.

Official Delta Driver

I did it. I’m now fully Delta Certified. Me, who started out learning to drive in a Geo Metro, has now transported live passengers to and from the runway without killing them or falling through the ice in a Delta. I’m psyched. I would definitely come back as a shuttle drive if I ever came back. I love the Deltas, big orange, awkward lumbering beasts that they are. Always breaking down, groaning, and moaning, they still trek on day after day transporting passengers from place to place.

I got to drive all the way out to Pegasus which is a 40 minute drive each way. Geoff came along as moral support and guidance should I need it, and it helped just having him there. The weather was beautiful, and my cargo of passengers were all happy they were getting to leave. Their contracts were up and they were headed off the ice. We were a caravan of two Deltas and an airporter. In total I think we had 60 passengers leaving that day. They flew out on the 757, which is a New Zealand plane. After making sure they were all safely aboard, and my toes were completely numb, we drove back and took some of the pot holes a little fast, sending us both up out of our seats with a laugh and whoo. I can’t believe I got to learn how to do this. Such a great opportunity and all because I asked and got to stay the winter. Wow!

Condition 2

We had our first Condition 2 today and it wasn't even winter yet. The winds blew snow around creating a white sheet of air and everyone watched in wonder as building disappeared in the flurry mass. They even put up the ropes between buildings, but did not enforce the attach in rule. It was fun, a hint of things to come, and you can enjoy it while you look out from the warm safe building, but if you were out in it, I doubt it would be as amusing.

Tour of the Palmer Ship

We got a tour of the Palmer Research Vessel today. It is a research vessel that goes out to sea for all sorts of marine and aqua studies for up to three months at a time. It passes between Palmer Station and ours in it’s travels, and has crew of around 30 people - including scientists. We thought our place was small, but they all live on board the ship and never get a day off till they disembark. Needless to say, when they fly out they are really ready to leave. It was fun walking through the narrow halls, seeing their mess hall, and the main deck where the captain steers the ship. Here are some of the pictures I took -

Main Deck

Emperor Penguins or as I like to say Imperial

Saw a group of Emperor Penguins today. There was an organized trip to go out and see them. They are molting right now, I've been told the process is uncomfortable, so they stay pretty still. Now I've seen both types here on the continent, at least around where I live.