Submitted by Anonymous on Sat, 01/05/2008 - 03:43
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Antarctic Weather Stations

Outstanding Work Kirk!

 The helio adventure was top drawer reporting!

 Apparently, you ignored my command to do no more fun stuff while I was doing mundane stuff yesterday!

 Again with the kudos for inspiring those Minnesotans 2nd graders and of course the Father and Son Scientists! Your reach is extensive!

How did you communicate on board the helo?

 Did you also wear ear protection?

What is the rate of forward progress of the ice breaker, Oren?

How do they get off the ice breaker and on to McMurdo? Swim I bet!

The blades are missing from the anemometer part of the weather station, my guess is several cooperating clever penguins (think Monty Python’s Holy Grail scene with cooperating African swallows carrying a coconut) removed it or one very large leopard seal; is that 1 or 2 guesses?

Mikeblancotexasmcclure

Sat, 01/05/2008 - 09:51

Kirk Beckendorf

Hey Mike,We all wore helmets. Each helmet has its own built in microphone. Inside the hard part of eash helmet are earphones which provide both ear protection and sound from the sound system. I was in the front seat beside the helmet, to talk I pushed a button, that was on the floor, with my left foot. George and Jonathan were in the back seat and they had hand button that they pushed to talk.
I do not know the Oden's forward speed, I was wondering that myself. To break through the ice they push forward and break up the ice a bit, then they back up and get a running start and go forward again. So total speed forward would be different than there actual rate of progress. You could go to the 2007 Oden expedition on the left of this page and ask Lollie.
There is a "permanent" gravel docking site for the ships that come to McMurdo. One fuel tanker and one supply/cargo ship per year. The Oden is opening a channel for these two ships. 
You are correct aboutwhat was wrong with the weather station. George did jokingly suggest that a penguin might have climbed the tower and stolen the blade.
Today is Sunday and I am going to run in the Scott's Hut Race, wish me luck. 
Have a great weekend. 
kirk