Journal Entry

A PhotoJournal for You!

The weather here has been pretty consistently windy and very cold the last couple of days, and we found out yesterday afternoon that our helicopter flights have been delayed until at least Friday. I used this time to create a photo-journal for you to see what McMurdo's been like!

http://youtu.be/HWz3796AsiE

We've also been getting our equipment more ready for use once we're out in the field. Some of us have been assembling and testing lab materials. We also packed the drill flights for flying out to Joyce.

Preparing our crate of pipes and drill bits.Preparing our crate of pipes and drill bits.

Predictably, I spent a couple of hours yesterday at our cage, moving gear. I'm not complaining- we had some music going and it was fun! With as much gear as we have, it will be really nice to know where everything is so we don't fumble around when we get to Joyce, trying to figure out where our basic necessities are.

Sorting through camping gear.Sorting through camping gear.

Finally, we had our helicopter rigging training. We walked down to the heliport where the helitech crew taught us how to use cargo straps to package large objects up just right. Then they showed us how to attach the loads to the hook on the belly of the helicopter. Everyone down there was hoping and wishing for clear skies to be able fly again soon...

Creating a "christmas package" with a fin for direction out of our cargo crate.Creating a "christmas package" with a fin for direction out of our cargo crate. With helicopter…With helicopter…

Comments

Kris coleman

Your photo journal was very interesting . It gave us readers a good look at life at Mc Merdo and all your preparations for the trip to Joyce Lake, fascinating! I wonder if those bicycles ever get thawed out enough to ride!

Frank Z. Leidman

Lucy is doing such a great job at documenting this project. Thank you so much for your great work, and say "hi" to my son Sasha. Hope you and the other team members can read our comments!!

Lucy Coleman

Yes! We can see your comments on the journals and appreciate them- I’m glad you are enjoying! I’ll definitely say hi to Sasha for you too. We’re having a great time down here!
Lucy

On Oct

Rachel Kanowsky

Hi Ms. Coleman,My period 1, 2, 3 and 5 chemistry classes all say "HI!"
We are starting our day by reviewing your blog and photos, so fascinating!
We are thinking of you and your cohorts. Best wishes!
Rachel Kanowsky and lots of PFAA students...

Lucy Coleman

Hi everyone!!
I'm so glad you are enjoying my blog -- its fun to share it with you! Feel free to ask questions and make more comments. I'm thinking of you and picking out things to share that I think you'd like and find interesting!

Ms. C

Matt Spiva

Hey Lucy,We have had a great time going through your blogs and pics! Thanks for posting so much about your trip already, and the video was great. Keep warm down there!

-Matt

Here are a few messages from the kiddos:
Isabella: "I have a white coat like your red one!"
Vivian: "I want to go to Antarctica. I hope you have a good day."
Aidan: "Are there sharks near Antarctica?"

Lucy Coleman

Hi Matt!
I’m glad the whole family is enjoying the journals! Its a different world down here for sure.

In response to the kiddos:
-I wonder if Isabella’s coat is as warm as Big Red
- I hope Vivian gets to come here someday
- No sharks here. There are leopard seals, and orcas (killer whales) but no sharks! Sorry, Aidan!

On O

Katie R, Court…

What is it like without showers? What time do you get up in the mornings?

Savannah, Paig…

Our table group wants to know how you are doing in Antarctica? It seems like you've been having fun in Antarctica. We saw all of the expirements that youve been doing and they look really cool. Have fun!

Sophia Dalman,…

nice helicopter

Sophia Dalman,…

nice helicopter

Sophia Dalman,…

nice helicopter

Gaby and James

What has happened so far?

Gaby and James

What has happened so far?

Kate, Avery, A…

Our group was wondering what do you do in your free time? Hope you're having fun!

Kate, Avery, A…

Our group was wondering what do you do in your free time? Hope you're having fun!