Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 11/24/2008 - 06:36
Forums
Lake Ecosystems in Antarctica

      Hello I am Mira Kuni from Massabesic Middle School I work with Mr.Dyer. I have  some question about how you like Antartica.  How do you like it there?  Is it scary diving?  What is the most dangerous thing you have done?WinkWhen are you coming back?   Do you want to come back? I wish you luck and be safe.

 

 

                                                         From,Mira KuniSmile

 

Mon, 11/24/2008 - 08:20

Robin Ellwood

Hello Mira!
I LOVE being in Antarctica! It is so beautiful, so powerful, so peaceful, so humbling! It is a privilege to be here! I do not find the diving scary, I find it thrilling! The ecosystem in McMurdo Sound is spectacular and the experiments we are doing in the Dry Valley lakes are fascinating! I don't think I've really done anything "dangerous" - sure, diving under 15 feet of ice could be dangerous, but we are so safe and take such precautions to ensure safety that it doesn't feel unsafe.
I am scheduled to leave here tomorrow. I am very sad to be leaving! Of course I am anxious to get home to family and friends, but I am quite sad to be leaving here. I have had an amazing experience and I don't want it to end!
Thanks for the well wishes of luck and safety - same to you!'
Thanks for checking in.
Cheers,
Robin 

Mon, 12/01/2008 - 06:49

Guest

Wow that is really cool!!
Do you think you will go back again next year??
Are you going to miss the people there???
Is anyone still diving there???
Have you pet any animal there??
Where do you teach??
From,
Mira Kuni at Massabesic Middle School
P.S.Sorry I have so many question!

Fri, 12/05/2008 - 12:43

Robin Ellwood

Hello Mira,
So sorry for the delay in responding - I was in travel mode and then my computer needed a new keyboard!
I go every other year with Dr. Doran, so I won't be going next year, but if all goes as planned, I'll be there the year after!
I always miss the people there! Everyone is so friendly, excited to be there, excited about what they are doing, and excited to share! It is a wonderful community!
The Endurance team is still there. The diving they do will be to photograph the robot underwater and if necessary (although it shouldn't be!) dive to untangle or retrieve the robot!
I have never pet an animal there - it is against the Antarctic Treaty which is in place to protect all the animals! But - I have had a seal bump into me! That was wonderful! I felt privileged!
I teach at Rye Junior High in Rye, NH - 8th grade science!
I love questions! Ask away!
Cheers,
Robin 

Mon, 12/08/2008 - 06:51

Guest

I hope you go again next year it is so much fun to see all of the things you write about! Can you dive anywhere else? When are you going to go back to teaching? I hope you are happy to be home again? I probaly couldn't leave my family for that long! How did you get chosen yo go to Antarctica? From,
Mira Kuni

Mon, 12/08/2008 - 15:11

Robin Ellwood

Hello Mira,I'm so glad you enjoy reading about all the adventures! Perhaps you'll go there someday too!
I dive all over New England and have been diving in the Carribean - all wonderful diving! I think diving in Antarctica with the Weddell Seals takes the cake though!
I started teaching again today - it was great to see everyone again!
I applied to the PolarTREC program and was accepted! I feel quite fortunate!
Cheers,
Robin 

Mon, 01/05/2009 - 06:48

Guest

Hello,
Are you still talking to other kids even though you are not in Antarctica?
MIRA KUNI