It seems that we are going to stay in McMurdo until Saturday, so we decided to do some sightseeing in and around town. Around 3:00 pm I went out with James, Sam and Elisa and walked over the road that leads to and from the McMurdo airfield, down to where land meets the frozen ocean. The whole round trip is a six-kilometer hike—three each way—which at first sight looks longer, since it is done on a curvy, steep road that straddles the northern slope of Observation Hill.
Me with Observation Hill in the background. We were just starting out our walk
The Antarctic Fire Department. There are actual firefighters in Antarctica!
The walk was much easier and faster than expected, and as we warmed up from the walk the air temperature began to feel very pleasant. The contrast with the South Pole was astounding: not only it was much warmer here, but in addition to ice we saw large patches of barren land and even a few isolated spots of liquid water. Occasionally, birds flew around. We wore lighter clothing than at the pole and were also able to walk at a faster pace. Although I barely felt any ill effects from the elevation at the South Pole, I did notice that the hike here at sea level felt more relaxed. After about 45 minutes, we came at the footsteps of New Zealand's Scott Base.
Me looking at New Zealand's Scott Base. Black Island can be seen in the background.
New Zealand's Scott Base seen in the distance. All main buildings are painted in green.
At Scott Base we remained just for like 15 minutes, since our only purpose there was to do some shopping at the gift store. It was a relief to know that the store takes US Dollars, as we all had lately been running low in New Zealand currency. On the way back the slope was steeper—although shorter—but still it was a comfortable walk. At its highest point the road has vantage points that offer some impressive sights of land, ice, and occasionally water. There is also the blue McMurdo sign that welcomes newcomers to the station, as well as a beautiful panorama of Observation Hill that gets more prominent as one walks closer to town.
Me with the blue McMurdo sign (there is also a picture of me with the wooden sign in a previous post).
The surrounding area, with Observation Hill in the background.
Without a doubt, Ross Island in the Antarctica coast has its own charms that make it an amazing and unique location.
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