It's Saturday night in McMurdo and most everyone has stopped working... I am still typing! It is almost 10pm and we have yet to unload our sleds and clean our equipment, not to mention, write a journal, answer emails and write out some postcards. So, in trying to save some time tonight, this journal will be short and hopefully a little fun!
After spending the day in the field again from 11:30am to 8:30 pm, I have a few 'fun in the field' pics. Sadly, I did not see any penguins today though we tried hard to find a few. Instead we had to conjure up our own fun as we had to move around to keep warm. The day started off brutally cold with sharp winds that bit my face as we drove out on the Ski-Doos! Thankfully, the wind eventually died down, but it remained cold for a good portion of the day. Here is how we kept warm...
Eating lunch in the field can be fun & provides energy and generates heat. We have good conversation, shared treats, particularly NZ Chocolate and a few laughs!!
Freezing the water in your bottle – look close, you can see the platelet crystals! Sometimes we taste platelet crystals from the Ross Sea – they are a wee bit briny as our sole Irishwomen, Jemma, would say.
Dr. Gao taking a snow angel break and snap chatting… ok maybe not the snap chatting part, but he is taking a selfie!
Dr. Xie decided to nap during his break. Doesn't look very comfortable, but warmer than the ice! I would not suggest this activity for keeping warm!
Both Hongjie and Yongli decide to make snow angels. It's catching and good for circulation and warming!
I like getting up close with the seals on my down time in the field!
Sometimes we look out to see mirages. Yes, they happen in places other than deserts! Look at the wavy lines towards the bottom of the rock formation. The land bridge does not exist! We ponder the mirages and that gets our brains and our lips moving!
Mirages here too! Just in case you thought I was pulling your leg!
I too decided to get in on the action. Who doesn't want to make a snow angel?
Flat Lorax cards from Harmony in 1st grade and Ellie in APES who was also with me last year as an AP Bio Beast! It has been great hearing from students, family and friends. I will eventually get around to answering them all!
Good night and happy fall back time!
Flat Lorax postcards for Harmony in 1st grade and Ellie in APES and previously in AP BIO!
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