Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 01/08/2008 - 06:15
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Antarctic Weather Stations

Hi Mr. B,

This is your sissy's class again and another 3rd grade class, 3D.  We just finished catching up on your journal and have a few questions for you today.

1. You said that you pee at the pee pole....what about the girls?  Surprised

2.  Why did you have to weigh your gear before getting on the helo?

3.  Did you take money or use money while you are in Antarctica?

4.  Do you use dogsleds?

5. What are the highest and lowest temperatures for summer in McMurdo?

6. Why is there a teddy bear in several of your pictures and is it yours?

 

Tue, 01/08/2008 - 16:32

Kirk Beckendorf

Hi Sissy and students,Great questions. 
Girls are welcome to use the Pee Pole also but would probably prefer the outhouse.
The pilot needs to know exactly how much weight is on the helo. Exactly how the pilot uses that information, I do not know. Next time I fly I'll ask them.
I did bring money here and have used some. Since we are on a US base, American dollars is what is used here. When I went to Scott Base (which is a New Zealand base) I bought a couple of shirts. I used a credit card, but I assume they use New Zealand money there.
Dogs are no longer allowed in Antarctica , as of 1994. There was/is concern that they could bring in diseases that coud affect seals. There was also concern of them harrassing seals, penguins and other animals that come onto the ice and land.
For January the highest temp. recorded was 56 in 1987 and the lowest was 4F in 1960. The highest wind recorded in McMurdo in Jan. was in 1967 and was 62 mph.
The Teddy bear's name is Jelly and she belongs to a 2nd grade class in Wisconsin, where the scientists thatI am working for are from. Jelly has traveled all over the world. The teacher asked if Jelly could come along so that she could  travel o another continent.
Mr. B.