Yesterday we had about 3,500 lbs of gear shipped back from camp and today we had to put it all back where it belonged. We started out by laying everything out and then sorting it by what building it needed to be returned to. All of our camping gear needed to go back to the BFC (Byrd Field Center), all the mechanical equipment like our chainsaws needed to go back to the MEC (Mechanical Equipment Center), any communications equipment like our radios needed to go back to Comms, and some of the tools we borrowed needed to go back to the Carpentry Shop. It was quite the task, but we worked together and we finished in time to watch Monday Night Football at 2:30 pm on a Tuesday (this time change is crazy sometimes).

    That's a Big Job
    All of our gear had a specific place that it had to go back to and we had to go through it all.

    Washing Dishes
    All of the pots, pans, dishes, and coolers had to be washed before they could be returned.

    Sorted Gear
    As the girls at the BFC (Byrd Field Center) checked in our camping gear, they loaded it onto a cart that would be hoisted up through the ceiling and put away upstairs.

    I think we are all a little stir crazy from being suddenly trapped inside after living outdoors for the last three and a half weeks. Sleeping in a bed last night and getting a shower was nice, but I miss my tent and being in the Dry Valleys. We had to get out for at least a little bit tonight, so Tim, Scott, and I went for a hike. We climbed up Ob Hill (Observation Hill) and it was a great view.

    Looking at Observation Hill From Town
    Here's the full view of Observation Hill from town. It is a prominent feature in McMurdo and it actually blocks a lot of the wind from blowing into town.

    Observation Hill Peak
    When we hiked up Ob Hill, we followed the ridgeline. It was a short, but steep hike.

    We Made it to the Top
    Scott, Tim, and I posed for a picture at the top of Observation Hill before hiking back down.

    The View From the Top
    From the top of Ob Hill you could see the sound and all of McMurdo. The cross on top is in honor of Captain Robert Falcon Scott and the members of his expedition who died on their return traverse from the South Pole during their Terra Nova expedition between 1910 and 1913.

    On Top of Ob Hill
    When we got to the top of Observation Hill we took some time to take in the views and then I had to hide behind a rock because it was so windy.

    Date
    Weather Summary
    partly cloudy and windier in the afternoon
    Temperature
    12.2
    Wind Speed
    20
    Wind Chill
    -5.8

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