Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 01/07/2008 - 13:35
Forums
Antarctic Weather Stations

Hi Kirk,

  Ahem...If you've ever worked with second graders, this question won't surprise you:  What is it like to go to the bathroom there?  You mentioned an outhouse when you talked about Happy Camper Camp.  Josh wants to know if you dig a hole in the snow. You also mentioned bringing human waste back when you leave Antarctica.  They all said eeeeeewwww!  Whazzup? Speaking of body functions: We're also wondering what you like to eat there? Does Dominoes deliver--haha! How did you keep food warm in your outdoor kitchen?We liked seeing the adelie penguins!  We also enjoyed learning about what you do for fun. Some of our students  love to go ice fishing--for fun!  Does anyone do that in Antarctica?  WATIZIT---The seat cushion is from the Piston Bully. It is really fun to communicate with you--thanks for writing back.                    Ann Berne-Rannow's 2nd graders.   

Mon, 01/07/2008 - 16:05

Kirk Beckendorf

 How is this for an answer...

You can just barely (yes it is a stuffed bear on the seat) see part of a pole on the right, behind the outhouse. Generally it has a yellow flag but the wind blew it off. Anyway the yellow pole is called the pee pole, so you use that if you only have to pee.
Here at McMurdo we live indoors and have regular toilets. We also have a cafeteria which serves us meals. Today for lunch could select from catfish, bratwurst or hummus sandwiches. There is also a deli line where they will make you sandwiches.
To stay warm when we were camping you wear lots of clothes (probably not as many as you would in Minnesota right now). You can drink hot liquids or move around, or crawl into your sleeping bag.
I have not heard of anyone fishing here for fun, although I did talk to a scientist yesterday who will be wading into the ocean in the next few days to collect some plankton .
Thanks for writing again.
Mr. B.