McMurdo Adventure
Our McMurdo adventure is nearing the end. It’s hard to believe, the time has flown by, so I thought I’d share a few of my recent adventures.
During my first trip here, I was so busy with our research project that I didn’t get to see and explore everything McMurdo has to offer. And the one thing I was really disappointed I missed was a hike up Observation Hill, especially since we saw this sights every day last time. So, I was determined to fit it in to my busy schedule this time around!
Are you up for a hike?
Observation Hill
Several team members decided to tackle Observation Hill or ‘Ob’ Hill, as it’s called around here.
This is what we are climbing today. Photo credit: Alex Eilers.
This 754-foot hill was named by members of Robert F. Scott’s Discovery Expedition.
We are getting closer to the top. Photo credit: Alex Eilers.
The hike up the hill has a clear foot trail (usually), which lead us along a path to the top of the hill.
Almost there... Photo credit: Alex Eilers.
Ob Hill’s name is fitting and definitely very descriptive; it offers some of the best views I’ve ever seen!
How incredible is this?!?
What an amazing view on top of Ob Hill. Photo credit: Alex Eilers.
McMurdo Station from Ob Hill... breathtaking! Photo credit: Alex Eilers.
At the top of the Hill is a large wooden cross, erected January 22, 1913. It was built in honor of Scott and his men who did not survive the journey back from the South Pole. Inscribed into the cross are the words, ‘to strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield,’ which is the last line of the epic poem Ulysses by Alfred Lord Tennyson. This hike has made me aware, more than ever, that the research we’re doing this season is only possible because of the courage and perseverance of explorers who braved dangerous travel and extreme conditions to learn about Earth’s last land frontier, Antarctica.
Alex at the Ob Hill cross. Photo courtesy of: Alex Eilers.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas???
Since I’ve been down here, I’ve been having trouble keeping up with what day it is, let-alone the month. So when someone said to me, ‘It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas’, I thought to myself, wow, Christmas is just around the corner. Even though I’m surrounded by snow and it looks like a white Christmas, holiday decorations make it look much more festive.
Take a peek…
Preparing to decorate of Christmas. Photo credit: Alex Eilers.
No bah humbug here! Outdoor decorations are all over. Photo credit: Alex Eilers.
The McMurdo ‘crud’
It appears you can’t come to Antarctica without experiencing everything it has to offer – the good and the bad. The bad, in my situation, is a case of the ‘McMurdo crud’ – a traditional cold combined with a hacking cough. And before you ask, the answer is yes! Since our team works so closely together, we are all (well, nearly all) sharing this experience. Our lab sounds like a symphony of coughs and sneezes.
Another McMurdo 1st which I’d have been happy to do without.
Here’s a picture of me visiting medical. You will be glad to know that I’m feeling much better now.
You've got to take the good with the bad. Here I am entering the McMurdo Station medical clinic.
Crafts Fair
Hurray! There is a crafts fair today. For those of you who know me, you know I love a good crafts fair. So when there was a huge sign in the galley announcing a craft show this Sunday, I couldn’t wait. And today is the day.
Shopping in Antarctica is the BEST!
Ahhh.....This felt penguin will make a nice stocking stuffer. Photo credit: Alex Eilers.
And so will these... More craft fair goodies. Photo credit: Alex Eilers.
Even more craft fair goodies. Photo credit: Alex Eilers.
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