I enjoyed a “visit” with first and second graders at the Blue Hill Consolidated School in Blue Hill, Maine this week when I talked with Mrs. Cole’s class, Mrs. Hally’s class, Mrs. Norwood’s class and Mrs. Larkin’s class via skype. I appreciate the BHCS t-shirt, sweatshirt, and hat that Mrs. Martin, the principal, sent me and will be wearing those while I’m at Palmer Station. I’m certain that there will be photos in upcoming journals of me in Antarctica wearing my blue Bobcats hat!
Polar Ambassadors, Yoga and Luke, in their BHCS shirts with me in my Bobcats hat
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Me skyping with 1st and 2nd graders from BHCS
Preparing to show the 1st and 2nd graders maps and pictures of wildlife at Palmer Station
The students asked me several good questions including:
How will I get to Palmer Station?
I live in State College, Pennsylvania, which is in the middle of the state. I’ll be on four different planes from State College to Punta Arenas, Chile! Once I reach Punta Arenas, I will board a boat to travel the rest of the way to Antarctica.
I’ll travel by plane from:
State College, PA to Detroit, MI
Detroit, MI to Atlanta, GA
Atlanta, GA to Santiago, Chile
Santiago, Chile to Punta Arenas, Chile
I think by the time I arrive in Punta Arenas, I’ll be pretty tired! I’ll stay overnight in Punta Arenas and will get on the Lawrence M. Gould, a research vessel, the next day. It will take me four days to travel the 744 miles from Punta Arenas to Palmer Station and I’m looking forward to the journey!
My travel route (Courtesy of Danielle Crowe)
Where will I sleep while I’m at Palmer Station?
At Palmer Station, there are two different buildings that have dormitory style rooms. One of the buildings is called GWR and the other is called BIO. I don’t know which building I’ll be staying in yet. I’ll have one roommate and I’m not sure who she will be yet either! When I filled out my housing request paperwork I had to answer some questions about myself including questions about whether or not I am neat (I am!) and whether or not I snore (I don’t!).
The buildings at Palmer Station
Palmer Station from a distance
What will I eat while I’m at Palmer Station?
Dr. Amsler has told me repeatedly that I will gain weight while I’m at Palmer Station. He said the cooks there are talented and the food is delicious! That sounds exciting.