Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 02/21/2012 - 04:16

Hello Mrs. Herrmann Do they have plows in Palmer station or do they just use large vehicles? Do they use vehicles? -Renato

Nell Herrmann

Hi Renato!There are no cars if that's what you mean, but there is some heavy equipment (fork lifts and front end loaders) that's used to lift big shipping crates, etc. There are also snowmobiles people use to travel on the glacier and ATV's for the rockier areas. Since I've been here it really hasn't snowed; there were snow showers on the day I arrived, but that's it. The walkways between the buildings are clear now, but people who have spent winters here tell me they usually begin the day by shoveling the walkways between the buildings. The station itself is very small and the only places people really "drive" are to the small islands surrounding the station. That is all done in the zodiacs, which are inflatable boats with outboard engines. (They're what I go out on with the divers.)
I hope you are well! It's wonderful to hear from you.
-Ms. Herrmann