We have been super busy. Yesterday we started learning how to create an audio podcast. This is a process that I can use to conduct interviews or record interesting sounds. It takes lots of technical support to make this trip a success. I need to be able to share what is happening with everyone - that means you! We also began learning how to use our digital cameras and I have been a picture-taking fool. Here is one of my favorite pictures from the World Championship Ice Carving Contest and Ice Park.
Batter up!
Batter up!
There were so many interesting things to see that I had to show you another one of my favorite ice sculptures.
Now that's an igloo
Now that's an igloo
Another cool tool that I will be using in Antarctica is a satellite phone. I felt like a secret agent making a phone call to my mother with the "sat" phone. We also are learning the steps for conducting a "Live from IPY" event. This is when I do a type of show from the field. I call in from Antarctica on the "sat" phone and people can log onto the website and look at pictures and ask me questions. This is a good way for people to know that I am alive and kicking. They also get a chance to find out what it is that I am doing down in Antarctica.
We have been working really hard but yesterday we finally got a couple of hours to shop. I was absolutely thrilled to find real mammoth bone pieces in a store. The owner also had a couple of complete mammoth tusks.
Big tooth
Big tooth
Imagine that this tusk is between 10,000 and 50,000 years old. That's really old (even older than me!).
It seems that teeth are important in Fairbanks, Alaska. One of the ice sculptures was a walrus with bad teeth. He and the mammoth might have had tooth trouble due to the cold weather. Who knows?
Wally needs a dentist
Wally needs a dentist
Well, I have lots more to tell you but I am exhausted and I still have more homework. That's right, the teacher has homework. I'll leave you with a picture of the world's coolest (or should I say coldest) ice slide that I have ever seen.
A humungous ice slide
A humungous ice slide
I will definitely get back to you all soon and let you know what else I am doing. Let's just say that it involves reindeer. Alaska is definitely a cool place and I am having a wonderful time. Don't tell my boss how much fun the work is!