A day of rest
Sundays are typically a day for fun and rest here at McMurdo, although most researchers work for at least some of the day. This past Sunday Terry invited me to go skiing to Castle Rock.
A map of the trails around McMurdo station. Notice the Castle Rock trail. Created by J. Walker, RPSC
Gear Issue
First we went to the Gear Issue room, which is in a big blue building at McMurdo Station. Here you can check out skis, snowboards, rock climbing shoes, instruments, and even costumes. Apparently dressing up in costumes is a common practice at McMurdo! We then went to the firehouse to check out and let them know where we were going, who was going, and a point of contact in case of an emergency. The firehouse also issues out radios so you can be in contact with them if you need to be.
The Gear Issue room at McMurdo Station offers a variety of items to rent out, including climbing shoes (in center) and wigs for costumes (hanging on the right).
Castle Rock Trail
Terry and I took a shuttle to the start of the Castle Rock trail, which is at the top of a hill just on the edge of McMurdo Station. We met up with two other skiers who are also scientists at McMurdo. A trail sign provided important information about the route and reminded us of safety precautions. The trail was marked with red and green flags, signaling that it was safe to travel on. I remembered from my safety training that black flags signaled danger (ice cracks), so I made sure to not go near any of those. We started out on the trail at about 2 p.m. We hiked for a while before putting our skis and snowboard on. It was a beautiful hike. The sky was cloudy and there was a light snow, so I felt enveloped by white. I have never seen so much white in my whole life!
A Castle Rock Trail sign marks the start of the trail and explains safety precautions.
Terry Palmer jumps for joy near the start of the trail.
Michelle Brown and her cross country skis near the start of the trail.
Visibility Declines
At first the visibility was good, but over the course of our trip it deteriorated. Once we were at Castle Rock (a rock that juts out of the snow), I put on my skis and Terry got out his snowboard. There was a pretty steep slope from castle rock and I sped off down the trail until I fell. Luckily there was a cover of snow to make the landing comfortable. Although I could still see flags guiding the trail, I could see less into the distance as we traveled farther along. Along the way there were stations, called "apples," to provide shelter if the conditions worsened. We did not need them, but it was nice to know they were there. Eventually we got back on the main road towards McMurdo Station. We passed by Scott Base, which is the New Zealand station here in Antarctica. By that point the wind had picked up and it was getting harder to walk. We made it back to McMurdo station around 7 p.m. which was too late for dinner. Luckily it was burger night at Gallaher's and we were able to eat a good meal in a warm room.
Flags mark the way to Castle Rock, which juts out of the snow, on the Castle Rock trail.
A green Apple provides shelter along the Castle Rock trail amidst a backdrop of white.
Questions
Why do you think we were required to go to the firehouse and let them know where we were going and who was going?
Look at the picture of the Castle Rock Trail sign. What safety precautions can you find?
Math Connection
If I walked from McM (McMurdo station) to Castle Rock, then to the Kiwi Wanagon, and then to Scott Base, how many total miles would I have walked?
Terry decides to ski the Castle Rock Loop. Michelle goes with him from McMurdo to Castle Rock, and then on to Kiwi Wanagon, but gets tired and decides to go back the way she came instead of finishing the loop. Which way is longer? Finishing the loop or going back to McMurdo via Castle Rock from Kiwi Wanagon? (Use the Castle Rock Trail Sign for help)
What was our average speed on the trail? (Hint--to calculate speed, you need to know distance and time. Go back through the journal to see if you can find these things!)
Goofy Picture of the Day
Steve Rupp, one of our divers, is a professional and great help to our team. He also likes to joke around sometimes.
Steve Rupp, one of our divers, gives a silly pose for the camera.