We are off to gather more icefishes for our research. The experiment thus far has been very interesting and very informative. So far what they have found is that pumping in more oxygen for the icefishes does not increase their *Critical Thermal Maximum - CTMAX" which means that the amount of oxygen available in the water is not the critical factor. The critical factor is temperature. They consistently failed to right themselves (stay upright) was pretty standard regardless of the amount of oxygen. They are finding all sorts of things as the experiment continues and as we find new things out, I'll let you know. I have no new pictures to show you on this, as I was only on station briefly before setting sail again. So the pictures I will provide are along the theme of today's title - How about the Icewoman cometh? Or rather jumpeth (and swimmeth really fasteth back to land) I will treat you to a few pics from our Polar Plunge!
Here are Lisa and I before the plunge. I am proud to say that I talked her into it! Shake away those fears and go for it!
Irina and Devon came out to join us for the Antarctic Plunge!
It is a tradition when the ship leaves to go back north, that those remaining at Palmer Station to jump into the water as a send off. Nice!! While that might sound like a death defying practice, it is very refreshing. Cold and salty too.
Here is our point of departure. The giant rubber buoys that serve as a barrier between the pier and the ship.
First you climb up on the rubber buoy. Here is Devin ready to leap.
Here is Lisa high tailing it back to the ladder to get out. When you leap leap off you truly plunge into the waters. Upon surfacing you have to swim to the ladder. Brrrrrr.
We actually plunged a few weeks ago. No stunt doubles were used. You can even try this at home. The main difference between jumping into the Antarctic waters and Lake Michigan on January 1st is the salt. Both are pretty cold, both incredibly refreshing, but my first thought as I plunged into the water was "this is really salty."
Your truly swimming back to the ladder. It was only 4:30 and already getting dark. But I did make it back to the ladder and we all immediately went to soak in the hot tub! Excellent. I highly recommend it.
Sadly, no one got a picture of us in mid-air. Looks like we might have to do it again!
p.s. Who knows the literary reference in the title? Hmmmm, maybe you should ask your English teacher.