Happy Black Friday! I will be celebrating Thanksgiving here in McMurdo tomorrow apparently. It wasn't the plan. I was supposed to leave today, but weather has lengthened my stay in Antarctica. I am on a 72 hour hold as there will be no flights coming or going over the holiday weekend. Monday is now my scheduled departure day with a likely return home to WI on Wednesday. Time will tell if such is to be the case.
Plane has been cancelled. I won't be leaving until Monday.
What to do with three extra days in Antarctica? Tomorrow is the Thanksgiving celebration on station and I will be attempting the 5k Turkey trot... little nervous about this as there are some significant uphills and of course, the roadway is a bit slick from the recent snowfalls. Should I need to, I guess I could walk, but that sort of goes against my grain. There is also the Armitage Loop trail which is the only loop left for me to do. I will attempt that on snow skis either later today or perhaps on Sunday. I could go to the Ob Tube one last time and will continue to hike out to see the seal pup and its mother just below Discovery Point Hut. I can also continue to shop! Though, I am limited on what I can buy as I have little room left in my carry-on and the pockets of Big Red!
I am signed up, but soooo not ready! Definitely turkey pace tomorrow!
Mama and seal pup were rather snow covered this morning during our storm. I almost missed them since they blended in so well with the white-out!
My researchers do not seem phased by the extra time here on station though I do know they also were hoping to leave today. A little about the two men I have been here with on Station as I have not yet given them their proper due!
Hongjie and Yongli are figuring out the ice corer. This was our first day using the device on our own.
Hongjie and I await rescue the first day we had the snowmobiles. Yongli snapped this pic when we weren't looking.
Hongjie shows his enthusiasm for climbing uphill. Notice how far ahead he is. I think he may have done some running.
Dr. Hongjie Xie is a research geologist at the University of Texas San Antonio. He is originally from China and earned his Bachelor of Science in Geology from the East China Institute of Technology as well as a Master of Science in Geochemistry at the Beijing Research Institute of Uranium Geology. His doctoral work was completed at the University of Texas at El Paso in Geological Sciences. His research interests include polar research, remote sensing of surface hydrology and modeling, sustainable water resources in the Tibetan Plateau, Martian minerals/rocks and surface processes and glaciers. His teaching interests include remote sensing, GIS, geoinformatics and polar marine science.
Hongjie keeps the cord from getting caught in the corer.
Hongjie poses in front of Scott's Hut on our way back to the snowmobiles.
Dr. Xie is married with three children. Two of his children are fraternal twins. His son graduated first in his HS class and is attending Princeton University. His oldest daughter is attending the University of Texas at Dallas. His youngest daughter is 12. Dr. Xie enjoys hiking and spicy food. He is jovial and full of energy.
Hongjie, always ready with a smile. He was excited to be standing in front of Castle Rock.
Yongli, also a first timer to the ice, was as excited as I was to get our photo taken at the sign!
Dr. Yongli Gao is also a research geologist and originally from China as well. His Bachelor of Science in Geology was earned at the Beijing University, as was his Master of Science in Geochemistry. He earned a second masters in Computer Science from the University of Minnesota and a Ph.D. in Geology from the University of Minnesota. Dr. Gao's research interests include Karst Hydrogeology and Geomorphology, Paleoclimate and Environmental Reconstruction and fossil records, GIS and Database management, Sinkhole Hazards and Water Resources, Basin-scale Hydrologic Simulations. His teaching interests include physical geology, geochemistry, GIS applications and geomorphology. He also serves as the Acting Director for the Center for Water Research. He is an Associate Professor at the UTSA.
Yongli is using the power drill to core a deep section of ice.
Precise measurements had to be made on the melted ice cores. Yongli was careful in the filtering of the samples.
Dr. Gao is married and has two children. His daughter is a current junior in HS and attends an elite school in Texas for students gifted in science. His son is 7. Dr. Gao enjoys soccer and tai chi. He is quiet and focused.
Yongli was often seen taking photos on his belly. He liked to capture the essence of the snow.
Hongjie and Yongli take measurements while I record the data.
I have enjoyed getting to know these two. They compliment each other well as research partners. I am certain it hasn't been easy for them with me tagging along, asking questions non-stop and well, having to deal with my type A personality. I only hope when they drop into their native Chinese tongue they are not speaking ill of me! I am thankful for the opportunity to have accompanied them here to Antarctica. We will end our journey together in Christchurch, though, I hope the friendship will continue!
The three of us await departure to Antarctica. This was an exciting day.
Our hike to Castle Rock made us a bit warm. All of us are without hats!
The three of us decided to do a selfie in front of Castle Rock. It was a bit challenging with my big camera but we got it to work!
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