26 November 2017 Final Long Hike and Science Talk!

Journal

Another stunning landscape, a gorgeous view of the Dry Valleys.

Our initial view — The initial view as we headed out on the Armitage Loop Trail.

Last long hike and final trail completed. Armitage Loop trail was the day's activity. The trail itself is 3.17 miles in one direction. We walked it both towards Scott Base and back to McMurdo. It was another beautiful day in Antarctica. The sun was shining, temperature reasonable warm and the visibility, perfect.

Four men — The four men who accompanied me on our hike of the Armitage Trail Loop, our last big hike! From left to right, Yongli Gao, Hongjie Xie, Todd Zatorski, and Greg Neri.

Cape Armitage sign — The sign marking our path so we didn't end up on the airfield!

Flat trail — Our beautiful flat trail, on the sea ice, from McMurdo to Scott Base.

Hongjie, Yongli, Greg Neri, Todd Zatorski and myself emailed in our e-foot plan and departed after lunch. The loop is all on the sea ice and is flat. The only trail in McMurdo that is. It was a welcome bonus after yesterday's run and hike. The views were impressive as always. Along the way we ran into some other residents out for a bike ride. They allowed us to try the fat tire bikes. We didn't go far, but I can tell you it wasn't easy. It was fun though.

Fat tire biking in Antarctica is fun, but certainly not very easy. I am giving it a try in this photo as captured by Greg Neri.

Mountains — The views were so intense. I wish I could fully capture what I am seeing with my eyes.

Erebus venting — Mt. Erebus is venting quite considerably today. I kept thinking I was seeing pyroclastic debris being ejected but I think it was wishful thinking!

Scott Base sign — Another sign to ensure we are on the right trail. It is so easy to get lost out here. Everything is white!

We arrived at Scott Base. Some shopped and others browsed. I managed to make it out of the store with a $12 purchase! We hooked up with two additional walkers on our hike back, but lost Greg. He decided to take the van back instead as he did not have his big red on. The trip back was just as beautiful. The snow ripples providing some awesome texture to gaze upon. Mt. Erebus was venting pretty significantly as well and it was nice to see the volcano in its full glory one last time.

Our posse — Our entire hiking posse after completing the trip to Scott Base. Todd, Yongli, Myself, Hongjie and Greg. Photo taken by Lynn and Amanda from the Denver Office!

Mt. Erebus — Another Erebus shot. I thought perhaps it might erupt at any moment as it was venting so much.

Waves of ice — Fantastic textures of snow and ice abound on our hike.

Almost done — Our hike is nearly done. The view coming back to McMurdo is just as beautiful as leaving. Mt. Erebus is in the background. The total distance on this hike was 6.34 miles.

The last science talk I was able to attend was another dynamic presentation. Dr. Britney E. Schmidt from Georgia Tech (Ph.D. from UCLA in astrobiology) is working on a robotics project, Icefin, to investigate aspects under the ice shelf to ready the robot for work on Europa (a moon of Jupiter) in 2024-2030. A NASA mission, Europa Clipper, is slated for 2021 and will make use of ice penetrating radar much like what Team Rosetta is using here in Antarctica. The talk was fascinating. Her team is all under 30 years of age. I am excited to talk to my students about this research!

Ice Fin Robot used by Team RISE-UP, B-041 based out of Georgia Tech.

Rise up Team — RISE-UP Team, Britney (front right), Josh Lutz, Britney Lawrence, Justin Lawrence, Chad Ramey, Ben Hurwitz, Matt Meister and Dan Dichek (not visible).

PolarTREC Teachers and Britney — Britney obliged George Hadamenos (another PolarTREC Teacher) and I for this photo. A Kiwi volunteered to take the photo.

I am excited about the prospect of going home tomorrow, or at least beginning the journey to get home. The weather looks good as of now. I am hoping it stays that way so my journal can really be about saying goodbye! I am also excited to read the last of the three books I brought along, "Your Inner Fish", by Neil Shubin. I found out today that he has recently been here in Antarctica. He is a paleontologist and has discovered 'fish' fossils that have 'elbows' in the Dry Valleys. This is an incredible link from fish to land-based organisms. I might have to try and contact him. He is based in Chicago... that is not too far from Nicolet. Maybe he would come and speak? Just a thought!