25 November 2008 [Video] Heald Island – Here We Come!

This morning we had an IPY Live Event. It was my first and I was a little nervous. I also was saddened that none of the classes from my school were able to participate. They had computer problems. I certainly understood but I would be lying if I didn't admit that I was disappointed. I do a lot of travelling and I don't' remember being homesick. However, I must admit to a bit of just that. I really love what I am doing and I would jump at the chance to come back to Antarctica again, but I do miss my life back home. I was cheered up by an e-mail from my cats.I didn't get to be sad for long because Stacy and I literally ran from the presentation to catch a helicopter. We are heading out to Heald Island. This is one of the sites that we want to take SCINI to and see what we find. It is especially exciting because it is extremely probable that we are the first people to EVER step foot on this patch of land. Is that cool or what? I feel just like one of the original explorers except that I am wearing ECW(abbreviation) Extreme Cold Weather clothing gear and I get to ride in a helicopter.

Let's not forget that I said we were riding in a helicopter. How can you not be excited? Stacy and I were tired but ready for an adventure.

It was a bit crowded with all of the people and equipment that we were taking to set up a day field camp. It took two helicopters to ferry the eight of us and over 1700 pounds of equipment.

It was really interesting to watch the view out of the helicopter's window as we took off. You could see the buildings in McMurdo Station as we circled around after take-off. Then we were over the sea ice and it was white as far as you could see. Watch the video and see for yourself.

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As we approached Heald Island we were greeted with the sight of Mount Discovery. This is a volcano that is located on a rift system that splits east and west Antarctica. It is 8,794 feet high and much of it is covered with glaciers and glacial deposits. It is also very beautiful.

Once the helicopters landed we took all of the equipment off and then we put our bodies across the top of everything. This is because as the helicopters take off they will blow anything that is unsecured far away. Once the helicopters left we put stabilizers on our bunny boots. The surface is sheer ice and the stabilizers will help you from falling all over the place. Next, it was time to split into two groups. One group set up camp (that was my group) which involved putting up the Arctic Oven and securing it onto the ice. You do this by using an ice screw to make a "V" in the ice. Then you run the securing rope through the hole in the ice and tie it off. There are a lot of securing ropes and the ice is very hard. Needless to say, it took us awhile.

The second group began to drill ice holes for SCINI and the navigation tools. As I just mentioned, the ice was very hard and the group got a 10 inch drill flight stuck in the ice. Luckily, they were able to work it loose.

After we finished putting up the Arctic Oven, it was time to set up a toilet. Now you know that we use Pee bottles, but what about excrement (that's doodoo). They actually have a bucket with a lid that lifts up and you have a small toilet seat cover.

You use the bathroom (only number two because your pee goes in the bottle). When you are finished, then you remove the plastic bag and tie it off. Then you set up the toilet for the next person. There is toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and wipes. It is very civilized. We placed the toilet a little ways off from the camp so that you can have some privacy. However, we still just go behind the tent to use the Pee bottle.

As we walked back to the camp we found a small tunnel that went right through the ice. It was really cool.

After we finished launching SCINI, then we had some free time to explore the general area and take in the sights, and what sights. Each view was more beautiful than the last. The mountains were like a piece of sand art with the different layers.

There are pools of blue ice scattered throughout the clear ice which is usually covered with snow. It looks like someone took a huge syringe of blue and injected it into the white snowy landscape.

There was a huge glacier just behind the camp. In fact there were glaciers in several areas that you could see.

After SCINI had done her thing, we packed up everything and secured it for the night. Bob set up a kerosene heater in the tent to keep things from freezing. We had a little time so some of the people went for a little stroll.

The helicopters decided to come a little early so everyone had to scramble back to camp. Luckily, everyone made it back in time. It would have been very cold in the tent overnight. The first helicopter arrived and took DJ and Francois. It was neat to recline on the bags and watch it take off.

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We got back after 8:30pm and went over to get the meals that they had left for us. We were pleasantly surprised to find a talk being given by one of our volunteers, Ken, about his travels in Asia. After dinner we did a little work and then called it a day (I left at about 11:00pm and the last guy left at 1:00am). Tomorrow we get to go back to Heald Island. This is an incredible job!

Today's Polar Profile is of Kris Merrill. She works in the Computer Lab and has been very helpful to me on more than one occasion. Kris is a fascinating young woman. She is 90% deaf, but you would be hard pressed to realize this. Kris has led a fascinating life in a very short period. She says that what attracts her most to Antarctica is the unique nature of the people here. Kris says that she feels like she fits right in. She is correct about the uniqueness of Antarctica and Kris is definitely a unique and gifted young woman with a very bright future.

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