More pictures

Here's some more pictures of what I've been up to lately:

 My friend Julie and I decided to trek over the hill to Scott Base, the New Zealand base station.  It was a very cold walk against freezing blasting winds...

 A few vehicles at Scott Base.

 Pressure ridges by Scott Base - where the seasonal ice shelf meets the permanent ice shelf.

 Another amazing sunset over the Royal Societies.

  

 The first Baslers arrived on station a few weeks ago.  I was able to go out to the Ice Runway to see them come in.

 One of the few hikes around station.  This one is pretty awesome because there are several frozen ponds along the way and the view over the sea ice is amazing.

 Sliding on one of the frozen pond.

 Roll cage Mary overlooking the station and Ob Hill on the trail.

 Another frozen pond.

 View across the sea ice to the continent on the other side of McMurdo Sound.

 Standing on top of Observation Hill.

 I was able to go out with a drill team to drill a dive hole for some divers and some researchers going out to catch some fish.  We were in the large drill rig, following the divers in their Piston Bully.

We passed an ice burg frozen in the sound. Pretty spectacular.  I'll be taking a trip out in a few weeks to check this thing out up close.

 Inside Caption Scott's 'Terra Nova' Hut at Cape Evans.  We drilled the dive hole not far from the hut.

 The fishing team cleaning out the ice shavings from the hole.  The water was an amazing aqua blue that gave away to the deepest clear blue water I've seen.

 On our way back, we found some Weddell seals.  They chew threw the ice to make their our escape hole.

My first three weeks

It's hard to believe that I've been on the ice for three weeks already!  For the most part, I've got the place figured out and have had plenty of time to get out and explore. Here's a few pictures of this place and a few of my adventures so far.

.

 

Antarctica! I finally made it!

After months of planning and weeks of traveling, I've finally stepped on the icey contenant!!  We were able to fly down to the ice on a modified Airbus instead of the typical C-17.  Some were dissapointed to not be taking the C-17, but we travelled in luxury! Most of us were in business class seats and we were able to look out the windows and see Antarctica as we flew in.  The views from the plane were incredible!  It's hard to believe I'm actually here!!

 Loading up and ready to fly!

 Mt. Erebus from the plane.  Mt. Erebus is the southern most active volcano in the world.

 The sea ice from the plane.

 The Ice Runway.  We landed on the ice runway that is only operational for a few months before it melts away. 

Stepping off the plane!  It was amazing walking out and realizing we were there!

 Making our way over the Ivan the Terra Bus for transport to the station.

My new buddies enjoying our first sunset at Hut Point!

Christchurch, New Zealand

After having New Zealand on my list for several years, I finally made it there.  I was only in Christchurch for 2 days, but, it was enough time to explore the city.  We also picked up our issued Extreme Weather Clothing before loading up and flying to Antarctica.

 Hotel Grand Chancellor

 We were evacuated from the hotel in the middle of the night... that was interesting.

 Church in center of town

 Another church on the river

 Gear issue for Antarctic Polar Progam

The infamous light windbreaker and bunny boots!

Raytheon Polar Services Headquarters

I have spent the past week at the RPSC Headquarters in Denver CO training and preparing for my job on the ice.  After learning so much more about the Antarctic program and hearing so many great and interesting stories, I am even more excited for my first season!  I will be flying to Christchurch, NZ tomorrow afternoon and after a couple days there, I will finally be on my way to McMurdo!!

Denver HQ 

This is the ECW guy... a fun example of the required clothing for deployment (guess gloves aren't important...haha)

US Antarctic Program Flag