Sea Ice

I know I have written a bunch in the last couple days, but this place is very exciting and I enjoy sharing my experiences. Plus I'm headed to "happy camper school" for two days so won't be able to update anything then. Additionally, sorry Dad and Linda that I haven't called, it seems the only time I have free is in the middle of your night.

My first day of "work" was great. Since we work a 6 day work week, I had to work on Saturday. However this was our day of sea ice training. What this means is that since my job requires me to travel in work vehicles on the sea ice, I need to learn how to read and assess cracks. We started the day off with learning about new cracks, working/active cracks, pressure ridges... in a class room. After about an hour of theory, we loaded up the Hagglund to travel to the ice. A Hagglund is a tracked vehicle as seen in the pictures made up of the main cab, and trailer that is towed behind. After contacting MacOps to let them know where we were headed, how many of us there were, and when we would return, we left the primary road to the ice runway and headed in the direction of Mt Erebus (the smoking volcano on Ross Island). Shortly after turning onto the flagged route, we saw a huge seal but I wasn't able to get a picture.

We headed north for about 1.5 hours until we came to our training site. The site was chosen because a route was established to the future site of the penguin ranch early last week. After a couple days of windy weather, Fleet Ops (they drive the big rigs) tried to drag ~4 huts out to the site when the driver noticed something funny in the ice and lots of signs of wildlife. Wildlife can indicate a new crack as it offers access to the ice surface. The driver ditched the huts and returned to McM not wanting to chance it with the chilly waters below.

To evaluate the ice, we dug a trench through the snow to the ice surface across the area in question. We then drilled a hole about every meter or so down the trench using a cool drill made from a weed whacker engine. The drill bits are 1 meter long, so after we drilled each of the first holes, we added another bit to the end to extend it another meter and revisited each hole until we hit water. we then used a cool measuring tool to see how thick the ice was. We found that across the area, the ice ranged from 4+M (very thick) to less then 1M. We mapped the crack and came to the conclusion that this was the boundary where the old sea ice from last year (that never went away) met the new ice that formed this winter. Long story short, the driver made the right call, but it was still safe for us to drive over it with our Hagglund. However the wildlife seen at the area were penquins and these little birds can wander a long way from open water.

We also were able to learn about Fata Morgana. This is a cool phenomena where everyone can see something that isn't really there. At one point, we saw 3 pillars of ice standing up, a minute later we turned around and there were now thousands of pillars of ice making a ~5 mile trail across the bay. Everyone could see it, although it wasn't really there. What causes this is when there is cold air on a calm day, the moisture reflects up whatever is on the ground. Its kind of like movie projector showing you whats on the ground. I highly recommend researching this on the Internet. I have never seen anything like it before.

Other cool things that I have done include have prime rib for dinner (two helpings), drove a Pisten Bully (snow cat), drove a Mac Track (Ford F-350 with tracks instead of tiers), climbed Ob Hill (that's me in the picture), shoveled some snow, yoga in the chapel, and much more. So far, I love this place, I love my job, I have great new/old friends, and there isn't much more that would make me any happier. I now fully understand the "Life is Good" slogan. Cheers.

The Happiest Day Of My Life

I made it! After an early rise, I dragged my bags through the rain to the CDC. While Paul returned the damaged van to the rental place, I changed into my ECW for the flight. I checked in my bags (later to find out that I forgot a bag at the CDC) with the military and ate breakfast. Around 7am we went back to the CDC for the flight debriefing and loaded up on a bus that took us to the awaiting C-17

The flight took about 5hrs and I even got a cool tour of the cockpit (this doesn't happen on commercial flights). Without windows in the cargo area, it was weird not knowing when you were going to land, but when the wheels touched down, I knew I was there.

I heard that the first time someone steps off the plane they become awestruck at the reality before them. I was determined not to be one of these people. However, after I saw the cargo door open, and a line of forklifts coming to remove the non-human cargo (sorry the picture is on its side), I lost cool. IT WAS SO AWESOME! I stepped off the plane to a -10F world only dreams could do justice. I knew this was "the happiest day of my life."

I loaded onto "Ivan the Terra Bus" with Amanda and Eric and all we could say was "we are in Antarctica." We headed to Building 155 (my new home/ cafeteria/ store/...) for a debriefing and afterwards met my new supervisor, Barb. Barb gave us (Sean and Zack) a quick tour of the town and showed us where to retrieve our bags. I quickly moved into my new room that doesn't have any windows with my new roommates Eric, Sean (different Sean), and Adam (Sean and Adam came in during winfly 6 weeks ago). After my first meal of turkey and potatoes, I headed to the Coffee house where I met a bunch of new people and started some great friendships. I know this will be a day I will never forget.

Buckle Up

I'm a little behind with all that has happened lately, but I'll try to catch up. I was suppose to fly out on Thursday for the ice, but because of weather and mechanical issues, our flight was delayed 24hrs. At 9am I headed to the CDC with a bunch of others to collect our travel funds ($230) and plan for another day in Christchurch. There were 15 of us that decided that we would pitch in on a 2 rental vans and head 2hrs north to Hanmer Springs to enjoy the hot spring pools.

To keep a long story short, "Buckle Up." I know what you are thinking, and no we didn't drive on the wrong side of the road although that was the cause of the accident. About 1.5hrs outside of CHCH in the middle of nowhere, we crested a hill to find a little red car trying to pass an RV. Going 120kph our driver hit the brakes and pulled to the left (in NZ this was the "right" thing to do). We almost hit the red car head on. However, the poor guy in the truck behind us did not see everything going on until it was too late and an wham!

No one was seriously hurt (although Bree is still not working b/c of it) but a few of us have sore backs. We called the police but they never came. The other driver called them back wondering where they were and they just asked us to swap info and leave. We made our way to the hot springs and after a few beers and some hot water, I was feeling much better. Our deductible is $250 so 5 of us split the cost and will be reimbursed later when the other insurance company pays up. It was an exciting day, and the O'Brien family curse lives on.

Drink Up Mates

Okay, I'm at a computer Kiosk in Christchurch so I don't have too long and I still can't upload any pictures.
On Sunday, I woke up in Denver and headed out to do the safety training. It was really cool to see a familiar face in the safety video. That's right, none other than Amber Morse. I didn't realize she was so famous. After the safety training, we pack up our bags and left for the airport. They dropped us off at about 1pm but our flight didn't leave until 5 so we had plenty of time to get to know each other. There are about 30 people in this group and I feel I already know most of them. While at LAX waiting for our next flight to NZ, I was talking to my new friend and fellow GA Sean. I asked him what seat he had and he informed me 40J. I looked at my ticket and I too was assigned 40J. It seemed that Sean and I were really going to get to know one another.

It was nice to know that they switched our seats for the 12+ hr flight to NZ and it turned out to not be as bad as I thought it was going to be. After arriving in Auckland, we had to go through customs. I thought I had washed my boots well enough, but I was wrong. However, since I had told them they were in my back, they took them and washed them for me. I was a little nervous at first, but felt much better when they came back with the shiny pair.
The trip to Christchurch was an easy 2hr flight with little excitement. After arriving at about 10am on Tuesday (we left Denver on Sunday) we took a shuttle to the YMCA and checked into our rooms. Paul, who had been to the ice before showed a couple of us around. We found great food and ended the tour with a great beer. Later that afternoon I took another group of people around to show them the sights. Of course it ended at the the same bar (The Bog), but this time with many more drinks. We found out that if you buy 6 drinks, you get a free beer mug. It seemed like a good idea at the time but I have to say, I was a little tipsy when I headed to dinner with everyone else. After dinner, we made the rounds to the other bars in the area including Baileys where they give "Ice" people a discount. We ended the night back at The Bog with free double shots of Jameson given to us by the leader of the Irish Jam that was going on. So we drank free drinks and sang drinking songs. Through out the day we had made friends with some of the staff and after they got off work, they drank with us. Trish, taught us how to do an Irish Jig, and Nick told us why New Zealanders don't tip. Needless to say, it as a lot of fun.
Today I went to the CDC (Clothing Distribution Center) and received my ECW. While I was there, I learned that my flight to the ice had been delayed so tomorrow I need to head back to the CDC to pick up travel funds for another day. I hope all is well and will post pictures when I get a chance. Cheers!

Bye

Well, I can't add photos for some reason, but I'll be back when I find a new computer and update the posting with some pictures.
Yesterday I took off from the Burlington Airport. Nancy, Ian, Cavan, Linda and Big Skip came to see me off. Big Skip and Linda have been great at helping me pack and get ready for this next adventure. I can honestly say that I didn't cry, but after reading the good bye notes from the O'Brien family, I did get a little sad. Ian wanted to see me off, so after waving good bye to me as I entered the gangway, everyone headed up to the visitors tower to wave to the plane during take off. I was very luck to have a window seat that looked out over the terminal and as the wheels left the ground, I could see the hands of my friends and family waving. I waved back, but I am sure that my tiny hand in the 12" window was impossible to pickup.

I thought some of the people on my flight from Chicago to Denver looked like "Ice People", but it wasn't until waiting for the shuttle that I finally introduced myself to them. I already have met a ton of great people and can't wait to meet the rest. After an hour or two wait, the shuttle picked us up and brought us to the hotel. I have to say, this is a great hotel! After getting settled in, I joined a few of my new friends at a Mongolian BBQ for dinner.
This morning I woke up, ate breakfast with my new friends and then headed over to RPSC headquarters. After signing in and receiving an arm band, I got to visit the finance person. I have to say, she is my new best friend. Stephanie gave me $440 in cold hard cash. This money is suppose to be fore meals while in Denver (dinner only), hotel in Christ Church, and any other meals while in NZ. I also found out that if my flight to the ice is boomeranged, I get another $200 a day in NZ. Any funds left over from travel are mine for the keeping. How great is this.
Orientation was pretty basic. You know, company mission, safety, harassment, other policies... One of the interesting things was that if you bring muddy boots into NZ, you could get fined $600 and your stuff confiscated. We also learned that someone from RPSC passing through customs yesterday in NZ was detained after they found "Adult" material in her luggage. The great thing is that the Raytheon Travel rep said if we have any items of that nature to visit the post office and mail it down. I don't know if anyone else gets a kick out of that, but I thought it was a funny story. In a little while, I'll be headed to dinner with a bunch of people and going to bed early so I will be rested for tomorrows departure to NZ.

Thank You

Well it is almost time to say goodbye. Today is my last day at work and on Friday I'll be leaving for training in Colorado. Before I go I thought it would be appropriate to give a big thank you to all the great people that have helped me along the way. Without these people this would not have been possible.

Thank you:

• Buddy Marsh for giving me this great idea and also for all the help you gave me with the move. You are a great friend with a great family.
• Nancy O'Brien, Tammy White, Todd Wright, Jaime Robertson (Miles), Amber Morse for giving me a great reference in order to get the job.
• Big Skip and Linda for helping with countless trips with my junk and organizing the storage unit.
• Wanda Huff and Wise Rokobili for your support as I learn to entertain, open mics in Antarctica will never be the same.
• Thank you to all the great people who have helped me over the years including the great people at Vermont Adaptive, the friendly Vermont Cavers, high school and collage friends, soccer buddies, and drinking buddies.
• Most off all the great O'Brien family for letting me live with them and become part of their family. Your love and support is greatly appreciated and I will never forget it. Thank you Ian for letting me be your big brother and read you books at night. Cavan, you were the first baby I've ever held. Nancy, you make a great southwestern apple crisp. Sean, you grow the best vegtables around.

I'm sure I have forgotten others, but I assure you, everything is appreciated. The next steps are CO on Friday, I leave for New Zealand on Sunday, and will leave for the McMurdo Station next Thursday. Thank you EVERYONE!

Rice On Ice Going Away Bash

Last night the O'Brien's threw an amazing going away party where 50+ of my friends showed up to wish me luck. The afternoon started off a little slow but as the day progressed, so did the party. There was amazing food including Wanda's famous wings, Nancy's "Rice On Ice Cake", and Kathy's cabbage salad.

Around six o'clock, the drinking games began which included a shot ski (four shot glasses mounted to a ski) and beer pong. I didn't realize beer pong was a family game, but Buddy's son Hunter really got a kick out of it (we filled his cups with water). Although we all had fun, it stayed low key with Wise's great music and a few (too many) songs played by myself. Mary (Kampie) was the only one who cried a little, but I am going to miss her just as much.

In one week my flight leaves Denver for New Zealand! I have my tickets, I'm almost done at Stryker, and still have a little packing to do. This week is going to go fast, but what a great weekend! Thank you to all of those who showed up, we had fun and I am going to miss you all.