This morning I had back-to-back meetings. I had my 7:30am team meeting and then I attended the MAUC (McMurdo Area Users Committee) meeting that Stacy chairs. The committee discusses various operating issues pertaining to McMurdo Station. It was interesting to hear about the things that affect the running of the station and it definitely was enlightening. As with many programs, staffing shortages are an issue. However, McMurdo Station is limited by the number of beds. It is interesting that a place with so much space available should have an issue with space. The thing that one must remember is that a major concern is to minimize the human impact on Antarctica. This is the reason for many of the management choices that have been made. As always, Stacy did an excellent job leading the meeting.
Stacy coordinated and chaired a meeting of individuals from various groups on McMurdo Station. They discussed operating concerns and attempted to make recommendations.
My next meeting was for my last training class. It was entitled "Outdoor Recreation". There are a series of trails in and around McMurdo Station that you can walk, run, or ski on.
There are a variety of routes available in McMurdo Station to walk, run, or ski.
There are several trails within McMurdo Station that you can travel alone and without letting someone know ahead of time. These include the trail to Hut Point, Scott Base, Observation or "Ob" Hill, and Hut Point Ridge. In addition, there are three trails that you can investigate as long as you go with someone else and make arrangements in advance. These are the Cape Armitage Loop, the Castle Rock Loop, and the road to Williams or "Willy" Airfield. The main concern is that you are safe regardless of what may happen. Remember, the weather in Antarctica is very unpredictable and can change without much notice.
I have really enjoyed all of my trainings. I have been given an opportunity to do things that I might never have had a chance to do. However, I must admit that I am a bit relieved that I have completed the trainings and I can get down to business.
I decided to take care of some errands today. I exchanged my Bunny boots. They were 2 sizes too big. You can imagine how uncomfortable that has been.
My original Bunny boots turned out to be two sizes too big. Boy, were they heavy!
I then walked up to the post office building and retrieved my lost luggage. I now have S.A.R.A. and she is safe and sound. I hope to have some time during the next week to work on her. She should make an appearance on the website sometime next week!
I did have a little excitement today. I was in the Station Store looking for a present for my friend Jillian when I heard a strange sound. The next thing I know we are being asked to put our things down and exit the building. As I walked outside I saw two fire trucks drive up with their lights on. It turned there was a small fire in the kitchen. Luckily, it was no big deal, but you have to be careful because the wind can turn a small fire into a raging inferno within minutes.
When I got back to the lab I decided to continue working on getting things done. The first thing I need to do is to get caught up on my journaling. I need to post journals to both the PolarTREC website and to the Project SCINI website. I am trying not to write the same thing but sometimes it is a little hard not to. My goal is to be all caught up by Sunday.
My next goal is to work out the details for my video project. I am planning on videotaping a variety of people who are working in Antarctica. These "Polar Profiles" will highlight the different types of people that come to Antarctica. Many people believe that you must be a scientist to work in Antarctica and nothing could be further from the truth. My first video should be posted in the next few days. I have already line up 12 people to interview. I just need to work out the mechanics.
I worked on my journaling until 9:30pm and then I met Robin Ellwood and Jackie Ham at the Coffee House. It was a nice way to end a long but productive day.