SnoMo Training
FINALLY, it's our last day of training! I started the morning off in the SnoMo class. In this lass, we learned all about snowmobiles. Its more complicated than you might think. The riding part is easy, but preparing the machine to start in these cold temperatures is crucial.
Denise Hardoy is ready to ride… with instructor Tony.
We also learned a little about trouble shooting. It is important to really get to know your machine and be able to figure out why it won't start or run. The consequences of not running can be catastraphic if you are out far away from the station.
Denise Hardoy changes a SloMo spark plug
Instructor Tony showing us how to do a precheck on the snomo
We covered driving safety, how to change spark plugs, and what to try if the engine just won't turn over. I can't wait to get outside and ride them for real!
Denise Hardoy and Amy Osborne ready to ride the SnoMo
GPS
My final class for the season was on how to use a Garmin GPS device. Its's not quite as simple as Google maps. It uses trilateration (at least three satellites) to find positions on Earth. Specifically, we learned how to program waypoints, how to identify your location- like for search and rescue, and how to follow predetermined routes.
Denise Hardoy and Jean Pennycook following their GPS route around McMurdo Station
When we use the GPS devices, we will have pre-programed routes to our dive huts. They are pretty easy to follow once you get the hang of it.
Then we got to play around with them outside. They turned us loose with a GPS and we had to find our way to a specific meeting place. It gave us a great tour of the base, and we ended up easily following the path to the meeting spot.
Shout Out
San Antonio Elementary - Mrs. Higuera's Class of forth and fifth graders
Today I want to say a special, "Hi There" to Mrs. Higuera's four five combo class! You guys did a great job on your penguins! Can you find yours??? I'm learning a lot down here and can't wait to come show you more pictures!
No More Night
I was looking at the weather report this morning, happy that the winds were dying down today, when I saw the sunrise/sunset times. The sun is now officially up until this coming February! No more sunsets! Overall, I really haven't minded the lack of darkness. Our dorm rooms do have windows, but we have them blocked out pretty well. It is kind of easy to keep working late without realizing it though. We are so programmed to work until dark, but that would be a problem here. You sure could get a lot accomplished, but you would suffer from a lack of sleep. I can't imagine how difficult it would be in the Austral winter though, with 24 hours of darkness. Not so much fun. Do you all know why we have such crazy seasons down here? I'd love to hear your ideas!
Tomorrow....SEA ICE!!
Finally. Training is all complete. I am officially ready to go out on the sea ice. We are planning a long all day trip. We are taking three sets of Piston Bullies to haul 12 of us out to the Ice Wall. We have an established dive hole there that has a hut over it. I am hoping that we might see some penguins, but we will be catching fish for sure. I hope to learn a lot about the fish we are catching and the protocol that our scientists have written for this project.
Until then,
Stay Cool
Add new comment