12 October 2011 Theodore makes the polar plunge...

Journal

Theodore and his team have had a lot of very "cool" experiences here at McMurdo, but there's one thing he's been dying to try...

Today, Theodore got a special opportunity to join Dr. Marsh on his final dive of the 2011 season.

Preparations

First, Theodore had to clear the dive hole of ice.

Theo scooping — Theodore had to clear out all the ice from the dive hole.

Next, he had to prepare his dive gear.

Theo in gear bag — Theodore inspects the dive gear. (Photo courtesy of Annamarie Pasqualone)

Then, he had to learn how to work the sampling gear and the camera.

Theo sampling equipment — Theodore, learning the sampling equipment.

theo underwater camera — Theodore, familiarizing himself with the underwater camera.

Descending

Theodore had to put on his dive gear along with Adam, Stacy, and Mike.

Stacy and Theo prep — Stacy and Theodore preparing for the dive.

Theo and Dr. Marsh — Dr. Marsh gives Theodore some last minute instructions.

Theo and Mike — Theodore and Mike preparing to plunge. (Photo courtesy of Marty Hines)

He decided that the smart thing to do would be to enter with someone (since he has never done this before). Theodore joined Mike on his plunge.

Theo and Mike plunging — Theodore and Mike plunge to the icy water below. (Photo courtesy of Annamrie Pasqualone)

Theo and Mike in the dive hole — Theodore and Mike pause in the dive hole for a photo op. (Photo courtesy of Annamarie Pasqualone)

Theo descending — Theodore and Mike descend! (Photo courtesy of Marty Hines)

Under the Ice

Theodore explored the depths under the ice on a 40-minute dive. He saw sea stars, sea urchins, sea sponges, fish, sea anemones, and (of course) worms.

Theo under the ice2 — Theodore is an excellent dive buddy! (Photo courtesy of Dr. Stacy Kim)

Reaction

Theodore says, "It was REALLY cold, and salty!" It was really cool to do it once, but he's ready to return to his home in Florida and some warmer water. Still, he was honored to join Drs. Marsh and Kim, especially since it was Dr. Marsh's last dive of the 2011 season. It will always be something that Theodore and Adam will share!

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