Life in McMurdo is different than most would be expecting in Antarctica. It is mining town meets small college campus, or at least it seems that way! Many of you have been wondering about what life is like here on station and what we do in our free time. This journal is dedicated to showing what our living conditions are like, the food we eat and what there is to do when we are not working!
Living accommodations are standard dorm rooms you might find at a UW school. I have not had a roommate, which is considerably rare, I have been told. I was scheduled to receive a roommate last Thursday. She has not yet arrived due to the storm last week and may not be here until tomorrow afternoon. It was nice having the extra space, but it does lead to a less social existence here.
This is my dorm room. Not much to look at!
Other direction in my dorm room. Still not much to look at!
Standard bathroom, two shower stalls, two toilets
There are many rules in McMurdo… the system here can't handle much so you need to do your part!
Laundry room is busy frequently. Laundry soap is free and so are the use of the machines. I did laundry at least one time per week.
Fire alarm went off three times yesterday from 9:30pm to 2am… it is cold out here in pj pants!
I will be packing up my room on Thursday. Bag drop will be slated for sometime Thursday afternoon. I will have only my overnight bag and the USAP issued ECW bag and apparel for the flight home from that point on. This is a bit concerning as one group did not get out for seven days and were living out of only their overnight bag. Once your 'checked' luggage is palletized, it remains that way, regardless of duration, until you return to Christchurch. We have also been informed that there is a storm coming in on Wednesday evening. Hmm... as much as I love being here, I am ready to go home, so keeping my fingers crossed for clear skies!
Many trips, up and down the hill to the post office. They got to know me by name as I was there many times mailing large stacks of postcards!
The food here is pretty good. At least, I don't have to prepare it, clean up leftovers, or wash dishes, so in my mind, that makes any meal taste better. There is buffet for every meal. The kitchen is open 24-7. You can 'order' pizza for free and carry it out anytime. There is always popcorn available along with an assortment of beverages but no soda. If you want that, you have to buy it at the store.
Hand washing station that must be used anytime you go to the galley, even if you just came from the bathroom, you still have to wash your hands a second time!
They have burrito bar and Mongolian grill a couple of times a week. Pick your own ingredients and they make it for you while you wait!
Burger bar is my favorite. They had some odd specialties, but you could always get a plain burger with cheese!
Freshies start the Sunday brunch line.
Brunch always included a lot of choices.
Sunday brunch included a smoothie station. My daughter would have loved this!
The ever popular cheese and olive line for Sunday brunch was a welcome sight for this WI native!
Desserts and bread available every meal. Tough to stay away from this section…
Hot dogs and cookies are always available 24-7.
This is a typical dinner! Chicken Marsala. I did put those green beans on there for a few veges in my diet! But no dessert, at least that you can see!
At night, there are many activities from arts and crafts to yoga. One evening, I played corn hole, another watched karaoke at one of the 'bars', while other nights, I went to the gerbil gym or hiked with my team. Every Sunday and Wednesday evening there were science talks from the scientists here working. I went to every one that I could. There really isn't a shortage of things to do. I had a hard time getting to sleep at night. So often, I would work in my room until 1 or 2 am while watching movies on one of the four channels that has non-stop flicks, though no new releases! Many individuals frequent one of the three establishments on station, but it was really never my scene.
Corn hole every other Tuesday. I went to the opening night. There were about 12 of us.
Sunday night in the galley. This talk was from the BBC. One of my favorite Sunday evenings. Picture taken by Yongli Gao.
The craft room was a delight I was not expecting. They have quilting machines and screen presses. This art room is fully loaded.
One of our many hikes. Always fun to go with a bunch! Photo taken by Jeff in IT
There is a store and one on Scott Base as well. I spent some time in both places. Not looking forward to those credit card bills!
A few others decided to use the rock wall instead of playing bags.
There are bulletin boards for notices of events and lost and found items.
Karaoke at the bar on a Saturday night. Hongjie and I came to listen after a long hike.
Gerbil gym is not heavily used either, but it serves the purpose.
Rec. board always displays the day's events and the next two days up and coming.
Here are tonight's events!
There are many 20-somethings on station. There is a unique culture here. Many people coming back year after year. They need people here to do dishes, cook meals, keep the serving lines running, drive shuttles, work in the power plant or water works. There are lab techs and firemen, hair stylists, janitorial staff, fleet operators, drillers, cargo and shipment personnel and just about anything you could imagine. I think it may be one of the most viable ways to get to Antarctica. Apply to work here as a janitor or dish washer. You get paid based upon the Colorado average wage for that line of work and you have no living expenses... 0. NO heat, water, food, electricity, or housing costs. You basically wear one set of clothes continuously and haircuts are $10. Many individuals are here for a season and so arrive around the beginning of Oct. and stay through until mid-Feb. Some will choose to winter over and stay on 14-month contracts. A few individuals I spoke with use the money they make here and travel the other 6-7 months they are not here. If you are unattached and have no children, this could be awesome! Former students, check into this.
Hair stylist cutting away at the salon. Cuts are only $10!
Somedays we had meetings. This one was with the Kiwi's!
Someone must be from WI. They dug a snow fort/tunnel outside of Crary Lab. It even has seats inside!
This is the entrance to the snow tunnel. Brings back some fond memories!
One of the bars in town is pretty happening for such a remote area. They have live music and karaoke throughout the week!
Flat Lorax would like to come back as a penguin scientist. This Lorax is for Sydney, a Junior and former APES student at Nicolet!
Flat Lorax card for Sydney at Nicolet. A former APES student and current junior! Hoping to see her in APBIO next year!
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