Notes from McMurdo Station

--The last few days in McMurdo represent our last minutes of relaxation before the cruise. Most of us spent time hiking a few of the trails around here to get a 360º view of Ross Island where McMurdo Station is located. Many of us climbed Observation Hill the first day we arrived. The sun was out and the temperature was comfortable. It is a steep hill but a good workout and a nice view of the island. A cross was erected at the top of Ob Hill to commemorate Captain Scott and the other lives lost on their return from the South Pole in 1912. From there, and many other locations around the station, one can view the various islands and mountains that border Ross Island and the inlet, such as Mount Discovery and Black Island. On our Tuesday (your Monday) we were given a tour of Captain Scott’s Hut that was built on Cape Evans in 1911. The hut actually came from a kit that was purchased in Australia. Unfortunately it was not made for the cold conditions in Antarctica. On the contrary the materials were supposed to be used for the hot climate of Australia (to keep people cool inside) so the temperature was actually colder in the hut than outside. So my understanding is that Scott and his crew stayed in their ship most of the time. We weren’t allowed to touch the walls or any artifacts inside to preserve those items. Also there were areas that contained asbestos and anthrax, so those areas were roped off. It was a very windy day and the wind was bitter cold. By the end of the tour froze my toes and face.

Yesterday a group of us hiked another trail that took us around Ob Hill. We had a nice view of the surrounding ice and hundreds of seals in the distance lazing on the ice. At one point we stopped to listen to the ice heaving against the land. It was an eerie creaking sound and you could see the slight movement of the ice with the water.

--Last night at about 11:00 pm I walked down to the water’s edge. The Sun was at a low point in the horizon behind Mount Discovery. It had almost a sunset look to it, although it isn’t setting yet. The orange and yellow colors on the ice, and the sound of the water lapping the ice, provided a truly magical seen. I just stood there for about 10 minutes in awe of the scene. Of course I started getting philosophical at that point, just thinking about why people want to come here. What is the draw? Explorers have lost their lives to understand this place. Why? I think people are drawn here because Antarctica still provides a level of mystery, and it is still vastly untouched by humans. There is no beachfront property for us to flock. I personally hate the cold. HATE it. But I suffer through it because being here is a unique and life changing experience and I will take any opportunity to return.

--Today we finally get to board the ship and the process of setting up equipment in the lab spaces. The process is hardly ever smooth but we always make it work. We shall see how it goes.

Until next time....