4 March 2012 Operation Fun Haul

I moved back onto the ship yesterday, and am adjusting slowly to the idea of leaving Palmer Station. While I was in the field with Donna Patterson-Fraser on Friday, we could see the Gould approaching Palmer Station; the ship had been gone for a few days to pick up some scientists who study seals. I plan to talk with them more as we travel to Punta Arenas together and will tell you what I learn about their research later. Naturally I am looking forward to getting home to my family and students, but must admit that I felt a bit sad when I saw the LMG pulling up to the station.

One exciting aspect of my experience here has been getting used to the idea that field work is weather dependent. When I wake up each morning, I never know exactly what the day will bring and I like that! The Gould can’t get underway until the study site the geologists have set up on Amsler Island is taken down. This involves hauling the drill for the 15 m bore hole and other heavy equipment down from a point at the top of the island, about 130 meters high. The operation is jokingly being called “Fun Haul” and I’m waiting to take part, but we can’t begin until the winds die down. This morning the wind was blowing at 40 knots! (That’s about 46 mph.) I went for a brief walk this morning, figuring I should take advantage of my last day on land for a while, but had to cut it short because it’s so windy. Once the weather cooperates, a group of about 12 people will ride out to Amsler Island in zodiacs to begin working- hopefully this afternoon. Oops- I will have to cut this short for now. Jamee Johnson, the Marine Projects Coordinator, just came to let me know at 11:30 we’ll all eat a quick lunch and then get into zodiacs as soon as possible. It’s 11:11 right now, so I need to sign off temporarily.

I’m back and it’s 3:00. We were able to take down all of the geologists’ equipment and load it onto 3 zodiacs. They'll set it up again at Cierva Point, the next study site they'll visit. I was once again impressed by the work ethic and ingenuity of everyone involved.

Getting a generator and other heavy pieces of equipment down the hill on sleds was no small feat, but teamwork prevailed. That's all for now. I am beat.