After an excellent season working at WAIS Divide, my team and I returned to McMurdo to wrap up a bit of administrative items, finalizing this season’s shipping, and pack everything up for redeployment to New Zealand. Luckily, during those few days at McMurdo the US Coast Guard Cutter “Polar Star” came into port, cutting the way for the resupply and refueling ships to come.
USCGC POLAR STAR (WAGB-10) is a United States Coast Guard Heavy Icebreaker. Commissioned in 1976, the ship was built by Lockheed Shipbuilding and Construction Company of Seattle, Washington along with her sister ship, POLAR SEA (WAGB-11).POLAR STAR is one of the largest ships in the US Coast Guard and one of the world’s most powerful non-nuclear ships. The POLAR STAR is home ported in Seattle, Washington.
Polar Star uses four different methods of electronic navigation to overcome the difficulties of high-latitude operations, and a computerized propulsion control system to effectively manage six diesel-powered propulsion generators, three diesel-powered ship’s service generators, three propulsion gas turbines, and other equipment vital to the smooth operation of the ship.
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Polar Star’s three shafts are turned by either a diesel-electric or gas turbine power plant.[disambiguation needed] Each shaft is connected to a 16-foot (4.9 m) diameter, four-bladed, controllable-pitch propeller. The diesel-electric plant can produce 18,000 shaft horsepower (13 MW), and the gas turbine plant a total of 75,000 shaft horsepower (56 MW).
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With such a sturdy hull and high power to back it up, the 13,000-ton (13,200 metric ton) Polar Star is able to break through ice up to 21 feet (6.4 m) thick by backing and ramming, and can steam continuously through 6 feet (1.8 m) of ice at 3 knots (6 km/h).
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Polar Star has a variety of missions while operating in polar regions. During Antarctic deployments, the primary missions include breaking a channel through the sea ice to resupply the McMurdo Research Station in the Ross Sea. Resupply ships use the channel to bring food, fuel, and other goods to make it through another winter. In addition to these duties, Polar Star also serves as a scientific research platform with five laboratories and accommodations for up to 20 scientists. The “J”-shaped cranes and work areas near the stern and port side of ship give scientists the capability to do at-sea studies in the fields of geology, vulcanology, oceanography, sea-ice physics, and other disciplines.
Here’s a compilation of time lapse videos I made of the Polar Star cutting its channel to allow the “Ocean Giant” cargo ship in.
I was fortunate enough to be able to take a few tours of the ship:
At the end of January, once I had returned back to McMurdo after a few weeks at WAIS, I notice the US Coast Guard Ice Breaker “Polar Star” cutting its way through the ice to McMurdo.The Polar Star was in port for a few days, and designated an afternoon to give tours to USAP members. What a great opportunity! I was on the first tour, and ended up going through the ship a few times.Walking across the McMurdo Ice Pier to the gangway, you get a sense of the scale of the ship.Requisite shot on the stern, with the flag.The aircraft deck and hangar. There are no aircraft on the Polar Star anymore, and the hangar is used for storage, staging, and recreation.Looking aft off the starboard side, the ice slowly refreezes.Looking aft from the bow.On the brige.Me at the helm. Since all steering is electronically controlled, and can be done from various points on the ship, the main helm is strangely small! I swear, the size of the helm is not proportional to the might of the ship.Looking aft from the bridge deck.The modern electronic Engine Order Telegraph. Since the ship was docked and the controls were locked out, it was fun to move the lever and watch them automatically reset to zero.Dining on the Polar StarAfter my second tour, I started talking with one of the engineers, and was invited below deck for a tour of the three jet turbines which provide the incredible thrust to break through ice.One of the three massive jet turbines.Making our way throuhg the engine room. Here you can see the thermal blankets surrounding the intakes of two of the turbines. This is the true heart of the ship.Looking forward to the air intake ducting for two of the turbines.The modern engine control center, with digital displays and computer control.On the other side of the engine control room, the backup engine control system is the original Westinghouse system. Here, we’re opening the original cabinet to inspect the original engine control, rheostats, etc.The USCGC Polar Star Icebreaker ship commissioning plaque.
McMurdo Station, Antarctic survives on the food, supplies, and fuel brought in via the air and sea. By far the most cargo comes in every year by sea, and McMurdo’s Seaport is the southernmost in the world. The port operates with an Ice Pier, and handles a variety of ships.
Here’s a few timelapse videos of the USCGC Polar Star and the Ocean Giant shipping vessel operating out of McMurdo. The US Coast Guard Icebreaker Polar Star (WAGB-10) leaves McMurdo Station, Antarctica, breaking way for the shipping vessel Ocean Giant. Filmed on January 25-26, 2015 by Jeffrey Donenfeld at McMurdo Station, Antarctica
An ice pier is a man-made structure used to assist the unloading of ships in Antarctica. It is constructed by pumping seawater into a contained area and allowing the water to freeze. By repeating this procedure several times, additional layers are built up. The final structure is many metres in thickness, and strong enough to support container trucks. Operation Deep Freeze personnel constructed the first floating ice pier at Antarctica’s southernmost sea port[1] at McMurdo Station in 1973.[2] Ice piers have been in use each summer season since, at McMurdo’s natural harbor at Winter Quarters Bay located at 77°50?S 166°40?E. The harbor is positioned on the southern tip of Ross Island.
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Ships docking at the McMurdo Station ice pier rely upon icebreakers opening a ship channel from Upper McMurdo Sound to Winter Quarters Bay. One or more icebreakers, depending upon seasonal conditions, will typically open a channel from eight to 50 miles (80 km) long.[3]
However, in 2005 icebreakers encountered more than 90 miles (140 km) of pack ice blocking entry to McMurdo Sound.[4] The ice buildup occurred when a 100-mile-long iceberg (B15A) ran aground near Upper McMurdo Sound. Two icebreakers eventually broke a ship channel through to Winter Quarters Bay.
The ship channel provides a seaway for the few annual re-supply vessels and research ships which call upon the extraordinarily remote seaport at McMurdo Station. Preparation for the supply ships’ arrival includes icebreakers maintaining a uniform edge on the seaward side of the pier. The ship’s skipper maneuvers the icebreaker to use its bow as a giant battering ram to scarf or shave jagged edges from the pier to facilitate ships tying up at the dock.[2]
Flying to Antarctica is an adventure in itself. Here’s a brief collection of clips during my 2014-2015 flights from Christchurch, New Zealand, through McMurdo Station, and finally ending up at the West Antarctic Ice Sheet Divide Field Camp – WAIS Divide. Both airplanes are LC-130 Hercules, operated by the New York Air National Guard 109th Airlift Wing, Operation Deep Freeze.
One of the hidden gems at McMurdo, in terms of science experiments, is the COSRAY Neutron Detector. I had the opportunity to go inside the current COSRAY Building at McMurdo, led by technician James Roth.
A neutron monitor is an instrument that measures the number of high-energy particles impacting Earth from space. For historical reasons these particles, mostly protons and helium nuclei, are called “cosmic rays.” Because the intensity of cosmic rays hitting Earth is not uniform, it is important to place neutron monitors at multiple locations in order to form a complete picture of cosmic rays in space. Bartol Research Institute currently operates 8 neutron monitors.
The McMurdo COSRAY building lies along the road connecting McMurdo to Scott Base
James Roth entering COSRAY
Inside, there’s a small living room and kitchen, computer room, and door into the main detector room.
The main COSRAY Detector Room. You can see various lab benches and desks, as well as the first bank of detectors in the middle.
COSRAY has been around since around 1960, and it looks like a bunch of the gear still there may be original..
James Roth removes insulation to show the ends of the neutron detectors.
The electronics interface of the detector tube.
James Roth with the COSRAY bit bucket – these bits of paper were punched out of a long paper tape, used to store data before digital storage.
From https://neutronm.bartol.udel.edu/stations/mcmurdo.html : Inside the Cosmic Ray Lab. The neutron monitor is in three sections (white structures on floor) each containing six neutron detector tubes. Photo by L Shulman, 1999.
From https://neutronm.bartol.udel.edu/stations/mcmurdo.html :
The cosmic ray lab at McMurdo Station, Ross Island, Antarctica. Behind the lab is the Ross Ice Shelf and, on the horizon, Black Island (left) and Mount Discovery (right). Open water at far right leads to McMurdo Sound. Photo by L Shulman, 1991.
All of the white structures you see are syntactic foam. This strong flotation material is comprised of millions of hollow glass beads. It can resist being crushed by deep water pressure down to 9kft or 5kpsi. This amazing substance weighs half as much as water. – Bob Zook
The front end of SCINI Deep. showing the blue camera hosing, the sapphire pressure window and one of our LED lights. The top rails have been removed to facilitate access. The button I am waring is a Christmas greeting (Noel) – Bob Zook
Demonstrating one of our sensor boards in the camera module. This board provides us with 3 axis acceleration, 3 axis gyro, 3D magnetic compass (mostly useless in Antarctica), temperature and barometric pressure. The information that is most usefull for us is the ability to measure the Tilt of the vehicle and to be able to watch the internal pressure of the camera bottle. This pressure sensor allows us to test the bottle and confirm that we have closed its seal successfully. We have yet to experence a flooded bottle on this project. – Bob Zook
This is the inside of our main electronics bottle. housed in this dry space is our power supply, thruster motor controllers, our main surface communications devices and several micro controllers that maintain order and control over these items. – Bob Zook
The inside of one of our camera bottles. There are a total of 12 circuit boards arranged on a complex aluminum try system. This tray design has been optimized to dissipate heat while while providing the necessary mounting space for all of the components. – Bob Zook
Every year at McMurdo, to usher in the new year, there’s a giant concert celebration that takes place in the middle of town. Bands that have been formed in the beginning part of the season, as well as bands formed over the years, all get a chance go play for the town. It’s a huge party, with days of setup, and months of preparation going into it. This year, in addition to an amazing list of bands, there was also a Chili Cookoff.
Highlight for me include listening to “Shitty and Loud”, who really were shitty and loud, declaring Chief Andre’s firehouse chili my personal winner (definitely beating the Kiwi’s “chili”, and making the strange realization that all of my WAIS Divide field camp amigos had all brought our own costumes for field camp.
A few pics, and video clips from the celebration..
Hanging out with fellow WAIS scientists – strangely, we all brought our own costumes to wear at field camp…. similar minds..
Main stage, with the Antarctic sun circling overhead
At McMurdo, helicopters play a vital role in local transportation and logistics. McMurdo has its own helicopter operations hanger and pad, operated by PHI Helicopter, featuring 6 pads, and an indoor enclosed hangar for maintenance.
During my month or so living at McMurdo while awaiting transport to field camp, I had the opportunity to watch countless helicopter flights, including flights of the PHI-Operated Bell 212 “Twin Huey”, NZ-Operated Eurocopter AS350 B2, and finally a Chinese-operated Kamov KA-32. A few photos and video clips:
McMurdo’s holiday party this year was fantastic! Including family photos slideshow, multiple bands, beer and wine bars, chillout room, and of course, a santa+elves photobooth.
Here at McMurdo, we have a number of airfields used for different missions. Willy Field is located on the McMurdo Ice Shelf, and therefore can be used year-round, even when the floating sea ice has melted. Only ski-equipped aircraft land here, including LC-130H, and DHC Twin Otters. Earlier today I took a quick trip out to the airfield, and explored the small town next to the skiway, which provides all of the aircraft, passenger, and crew support facilities.
Currently, McMurdo Station is hosting a little over 800 people in an industral, dangerous, busy town about as far away from anywhere as you can get. Naturally, with so many people, there’s the occassional sickness and injury. To deal with that, there’s a complete hospital and medical staff waiting to take care of any medical need. Here are a few pics from my recent tour of the McMurdo Station General Hospital…
The outside of the McMurdo Station, Antarctica general hospital. This contains the all of the medical facilities in McMurdo, and is located at the center of town, directly across from main building 155. Also visible is the firehouse just behind to the left.On the back of the hospital is the ambulance loading ramp.Outside of the hospital is a special housing for emergency Mass Casualty gear.In the entrance area, there’s a wall of medical relics from past years in the hospital – interesting to see old field medical gear, and lots of military medical gear.Including a portable field x-ray, seen in the cart on the right.Stock room, with lots of medical supplies.One of the coolest pieces of gear in the hospital is a hyperbaric chamber. This chamber can be used to increase the air pressure for somebody suffering from diving-related decompression illness, altitude related illness, or similar.Looking inside the Hyperbaric chamber, it’s all setup and ready for one person to enter quickly in an emergency.Physical therapy room. Although this room is not completely setup at the moment, it can be reconfigured to a compled PT gym.McMurdo has 6 full hospital beds for extended stays, in addition to four trauma bays. The yellow arrows on the floor point the direction of flow for triage and patient processing during a mass casualty incident where there are more patients than the hospital can normally handle.Ultrasound, and other high tech gear is all available at McMurdo.One of the ward beds – quite a complete setup!The hospital’s break room has all the ammenities needed for long shifts.Although I couldn’t fully access the trauma bay because a patient was occupying one of the beds, here’s a quick shot of one of the corner trauma areas.The station also has dental capabilities, and a dentist stops by the station every season.The pharmacy has just about anything you could need out here.The hospital laboratory, with a complete blood lab.Full digital x-ray capabilities.
The hospital here has already been covered my multiple people – here are a few related writeups and tours of the place:
Since I’ve been stuck at McMurdo Station, Antarctica for the past week, I’ve had numerous opportunities to shop at the McMurdo General Store. This is the place on station to get gifts, souvineers, clothing, movies, liquor, and just about anything else you could need to feel comfortable. In addition to just providing general goods, interestingly, it seems that the general store and “shopping” experience is a comforting bit of “back in civilization” behavior. I’ve caught both myself and other friends numerous times shopping around in the store, not looking for anything in particular, but just looking around and feeling more at home.
Anyway, here are a few pics of what’s available:
Entrance to the store, with book return! Lots of stickers and patchesLots of electronics and accessoriesNaturally, there must be a chocolate section… And junkfoodDrinks!Additional McMurdo facts
For a bit more context and interest, here’s a few facts and background on McMurdo Station in general1
Foundation and Core Mission: Established in 1955, McMurdo Station was designed from the outset as a critical support and research facility for the United States Antarctic Program (USAP). Its creation marked a significant commitment by the United States to lead and support scientific exploration and research in Antarctica. The station’s strategic location and capabilities have made it an indispensable part of international efforts to study the Antarctic environment, its ecosystems, and its broader implications for global science and climate research (Antarctic Sun) (USAP.gov).
Prime Geographic Positioning: McMurdo is strategically situated on Ross Island, making it an optimal gateway for scientific expeditions to the Antarctic continent and the Southern Ocean. This location provides unique access to key research areas, including the nearby Ross Ice Shelf, the Transantarctic Mountains, and the polar plateau. The station’s proximity to these diverse ecosystems enables a wide range of scientific studies, from ice core analysis to biodiversity assessments (Cool Antarctica) (USAP.gov).
Sustainability and Energy Innovation: In alignment with global efforts towards sustainability, McMurdo has actively sought to reduce its environmental footprint through the adoption of renewable energy sources. The installation of wind turbines on Crater Hill near Ross Island exemplifies this approach. These turbines significantly reduce the station’s reliance on diesel, cutting fuel consumption and carbon emissions. This initiative reflects a broader commitment to environmental stewardship in one of the world’s most pristine and sensitive regions (Wikipedia).
Conservation of Historical Heritage: The area surrounding McMurdo is a living museum of polar exploration history, home to several preserved huts from the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration. These huts, used by explorers such as Robert Falcon Scott and Ernest Shackleton, have been meticulously conserved to serve as a testament to the challenges and triumphs of early explorers. Their preservation underscores the importance of remembering the human endeavor to explore and understand Antarctica (Cool Antarctica).
Marine Science and Diving Research: McMurdo’s scientific diving program has been pioneering in its field, establishing the protocols for safe and effective under-ice diving that have enabled significant advances in marine biological research. The cold, clear waters of the Antarctic provide a unique environment for studying marine life, from microscopic phytoplankton to large marine mammals. The data collected through these dives have contributed to our understanding of how Antarctic marine ecosystems function and their role in the global ocean system (Antarctic Sun).
Dynamic Population Supporting Diverse Research: The station’s ability to support a large seasonal population is a testament to its robust infrastructure and logistics capabilities. During the summer research season, scientists and support staff from around the world converge on McMurdo to undertake a wide array of projects. These projects span the scientific spectrum, including climate science, geology, oceanography, and more, making McMurdo a bustling hub of international research activity (Cool Antarctica) (Antarctic Sun).
Contributions to Global Scientific Knowledge: Research conducted at McMurdo has led to significant contributions to our understanding of global climate systems, Antarctic ecology, and earth sciences. Studies originating from McMurdo have provided insights into historical climate patterns, the dynamics of ice sheets, and the impacts of climate change on polar regions. These contributions are critical for informing global climate policy and conservation efforts (Antarctic Sun).
Facilitator of International Cooperation: McMurdo Station exemplifies the spirit of international cooperation in Antarctica, hosting scientists from various countries and participating in collaborative research projects. This cooperation is facilitated by the Antarctic Treaty System, which governs the peaceful use of Antarctica for scientific research and protects its environment. McMurdo’s role in fostering international collaboration underscores the global importance of Antarctic research (Antarctic Sun).
Technological and Operational Advancements: Over its history, McMurdo has been at the forefront of developing and implementing technologies to withstand and operate in the extreme Antarctic environment. From specialized construction techniques to advanced telecommunications systems, the station continually innovates to support its scientific mission. These advancements not only improve the efficiency and safety of operations but also serve as models for remote and extreme environment operations worldwide (Antarctic Sun) (Cambridge University Press & Assessment).
Rich Community Life Amidst Isolation: Despite the remote and inhospitable setting, McMurdo Station hosts a vibrant community. The station provides a range of recreational activities, cultural events, and educational opportunities for its residents, fostering a sense of community and well-being. This aspect of life at McMurdo highlights the resilience and adaptability of those who live and work in Antarctica, contributing to the station’s unique and enduring legacy (Antarctic Sun) (Cambridge University Press & Assessment).
Observation Hill is a small mountain that looms over McMurdo station to the east. It’s a fairly steep, but easy climb, and gives views of the entire surrounding area, including the Long Duration Balloon launch facility on the McMurdo Ice Sheet. During my stay in McMurdo, I hiked it a few times. A few pics from the top:
The view from Observation hill into McMurdo Station, Antarctica. This is most of town, although there are a few other faciliites around the corners.
Looking north from Observation Hill, wind turbines are visible, as well as Mt. Terra Nova on the left and Mt. Terror on the right capped by a lenticular cloud.
Hanging out on the top of Observation hill, awaiting the soon-to-be-cancelled Long Duration Balloon Launch. visible in the background is Mt/. Erebus, as well as the beginning of Mt. Terra Nova.
At McMurdo, the National Science Foundation uses a building called the Chalet as their central offices – this includes office space for the senior representative, high level administrative staff, travel staff, as well as general reception and meeting spaces for science and program related meetings. It’s a beautiful building, and a pleasure to visit. A few photos from a quick exploration of Antarctica’s Chalet.
The deck of the McMurdo Chalet, home of the central NSF Antarctic offices
Upstairs, there’s another conference table.
The Chalet houses the main NSF offices in Antarctica, including Senior United States Representative to Antarctica Pete Ridilla’s office.
Reverse angle of the central space, showing the upstairs balcony.
Inside the Chalet, the central space is used as a meeting and presentation hall, with a lectern and projector screen. There’s also an upstairs balcony for additional seating.
The bust of Richard Evelyn Byrd, Rear Admiral, United States Navy, displayed centrally on the back deck of the chalet. The inscription reads: “I am hopeful that antarctica in its cymbolic robe of white will shine forth as a continent of peas as nations working together there in the cause of science set an example of international cooperation. To all who follow in admiral byrd’s footsteps this monument is dedicated. – National Geographic Society”
The plaque commemorating Operation Deep Freeze, on the back deck of the Chalet
The chalet is located on the corner of town, with easy access from the center of town, and a stunning view to McMurdo sound off the back deck. Unlike the industrial architecture of most buildings at McMurdo, the chalet has a style of its own.
For the past week, I’ve been working with my team at McMurdo Station, Antarctica. We’re running around town gearing up for our upcoming field expedition to WAIS Divide, Western Antarctica. In addition to our briefings and gear organization, McMurdo has a ton of great stuff to do! Here’s a quick pick taken while exploring the Sea Ice Pressure Ridges outside of New Zealand’s Scott Base. The sea ice gets squeezed into the shore by the advancing continental ice shelf, and as a result these massive ridges of ice push up. A truly dramatic place. In the background, you can see the ice-less Castle Rock, with Mt. Terra Nova to the right.
More updates soon..
Jeffrey Donenfeld exploring the Sea Ice Pressure Ridges surrounding Scott Base, Antarctica
After a year of training, travel, expeditioning, and preparation, this Austral Summer I’m going back to Antarctica to work with the United States Antarctic Program on an science expedition at the West Antarctic Ice Sheet Field Camp, one of the most remote permanent field stations in Antarctica.
I’m very excited to be going back to the ice, and luckily this time have more than the five days of preparation I had last time. Here’s a bit more information about my upcoming scientific deployment, including details on getting me to send you mail from Antarctica!
My Job in Antarctica – Ice Drilling Field Specialist
This year, I’ll be working at the WAIS Divide Ice Core Field Camp for the University of Wisconsin-Madison Space Science and Engineering Center as an Ice Drilling Design and Operations group Field and Drill Specialist. I’ll be on the ice from from December 2014 – January 2015, living and working inland in Western Antarctica .
Basically, I’ll be living in a remote field camp in Antarctica working on a small team to disassemble, package, ship, and store the large DISC Drill. The DISC Drill is an ice coring drill, which has been used for past 7 years to drill 3000+ meters into the antarctica ice in order to extract pieces of ice from deep in the ice sheet. These “core samples” were then packaged up and shipped to a lab and storage facility in Denver. This season, the ice drill is due for some maintenance, upgrading, and relocation to Eastern Antarctica, and it’s my team’s job to take the whole thing apart and get it packaged up and flown back to McMurdo Base, where it will then be transported back to Madison, Wisconsin to undergo repairs and upgrades.
Relevant Links and Files Regarding My Job In Antarctica Summer ’14-’15
I’ll be living at the WAIS Divide Field Camp, which is a remote field camp in Western Antarctica. To get there, I travel for about four solid days. First, I fly from my home in Colorado to Christchurch, New Zealand via standard commercial airlines. Usually it’s Denver>Los Angeles>Sydney>Christchurch. Then after going through the Extreme Cold Weather gear issue and associated training and briefing at the International Antarctic Center in Christchurch, I fly with the United States Air Force Operation Deep Freeze on a LC-130 Hercules cargo plane from Christchurch, New Zealand to McMurdo Base, Antarctica. Once at McMurdo, I layover for a day or two – until the weather is good, and then get back on an LC-130 and fly from McMurdo to the WAIS Divide Field Camp. Beyond that, I’m not 100% sure on living accommodations, camp setup, etc – those will all be sorted out in the coming months. Photos of WAIS Divide, courtesy of waisdivide.unh.edu.
Photo from https://www.flickr.com/photos/ice_drilling/sets/72157626163425403
Photo from https://www.flickr.com/photos/ice_drilling/sets/72157626163425403
Photo from https://www.flickr.com/photos/ice_drilling/sets/72157626163425403
Photo from https://www.flickr.com/photos/ice_drilling/sets/72157626163425403
Photo from https://www.flickr.com/photos/ice_drilling/sets/72157626163425403
WAIS Divide Ice Core: Backlit Snow Pit
A researcher examines layers in a snow pit deposited by different storms.
Credit: Dr. Kendrick Taylor (kendrick.taylor@dri.edu)
Photo from https://www.flickr.com/photos/ice_drilling/sets/72157626163425403
My first deployment in Antarctica, 2012-2013, South Pole Station
My first deployment to Antarctica was during the Austral Summer of 2012-2013 at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, where I worked as the station’s breakfast cook, and as a field science assistant, wilderness-EMT, and station tour guide. I had a great time working at the south pole, and am excited to get back to the ice to reconnect with old friends and colleagues. During my time at the south pole, I wrote an extensive blog, covering every aspect of live at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station. Here’s the wrapup, and links to all of my articles, photos, and videos.
I also did a fun promo spot with San Francisco-based clothing brand Betabrand:
Once I landed at McMurdo Station, my journey to the south pole wasn’t nearly over. Ahead to explore was Antarctica’s largest outpost of humanity: McMurdo Station. Photos
My time at McMurdo was a welcome, but brief rest fro the constant travel – just enough time to do a small bit of exploring. After the big tractor/bus drove us off the frozen sea and into the center of “town”, we were all ushered into the main building for a brief orientation.
Orientation consisted of station safety briefings, logistics, and dividing the entire flight up into groups based on who people were working with, if they were scientists, and if they (like me) were transiting through to a field camp or to pole. Also in orientation, we heard all about the facilities and services available. It really is like a small town, with everything you’d expect. Including a gym, coffee houses, social spots, bars, etc.
After orientation, I went to the cargo barn to pick up my bags, and then found my way over to my dorm for the night. It was a small 2 story building, built on skis, but sitting on the dirt at the end of town. My dorm overlooked the helicopter landing area, and it was very interesting to see the helicopters take off and land, carrying various teams of scientists.
McMurdo has a huge galley, which feeds the entire town.
Once I had settled into my dorm room, I spent a bit of time exploring town – including making it up to the Carpentry shop, larger dorms, and hospital.
After a bit of exploring, I heard from one of my travel buddies that we had been manifested on the next morning’s flight to NPX (South Pole), so we all had to go get our bags and weight them in to the cargo department, for departure early the next morning. To get on the flight, EVERYTHING, including yourself needs to be weighed. This is so they can calculate the correct amount of fuel, ensuring that they have enough incase the flight “boomerangs” – makes it close to the destination, but then has to turn back because of weather preventing a safe landing.
Overal, my 12 or so hours in McMurdo were fun – lots of exploring, and seeing a bunch of people I vaguely recognized – including my old friend Suny, who was one of the people who helped me get the job down here in the first place. Cheers Suny!
A few weeks ago, I published an article detailing my efforts over the last four years to land my dream job working in Antarctica. At the time I published it, I had just received bad news from what I thought was my last and final hope of getting this job for this year, Austral Summer ’12-’13. However, right after I published that article, something amazing happend – people started reading it, and word got out. Not only did my friends and family read it, but apparently a few people actually on the ice read it.
At the same time I was dealing with the “buzz” surrounding that article, I also heard from one of my HR contacts that there may in fact be a last minute opening at the South Pole, but it was a long shot. Given my recent experiences (all detailed here) with Antarctica hiring orginization, etc, I didn’t think much of this long shot – I’ve been told much more positive sounding news than that, and even those didn’t work out. So I started to transition over to my next steps in job hunting, adventure planning, etc.
However, last night as I ended a great road trip across Colorado and arrived in Telluride with my siblings, something amazing happened – I got an email from the South Pole. It was an offer letter to be a production cook!.
I GOT MY DREAM JOB WORKING IN ANTARCTICA!!! I’m going to be working as a production cook at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, South Pole, Antarctica. I’ll be departing Colorado in early November, flying through Los Angeles, Sydney, Australia, Chrischurch, New Zealand, onward to McMurdo Station, Antarctica, and finally across the ice to the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station. Ill be there on this job for the Austral summer, which ends in February, 2013.
During my time “on the ice”, I’ll certainly be taking lots of pictures and videos, and posting them right here on my blog. Also be sure to keep up with my on Twitter, where I’ll also be posting updates. Finally, be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel for video clips.
I’ll be posting more later, but since my departure is about a week away, I need to get started on gearing up and making all of my preparations.
If you’d like to send a care package to me at the South Pole, I’d love to send you back a post card with a South Pole stamp on it! Be sure to include your return mailing address. The mail takes a long time to reach me, so don’t wait on this.. My mailing address is:
Jeffrey Donenfeld, GSC
South Pole Station
PSC 468 Box 400
APO AP 96598
If you’re interested in Antarctica too, are already on the ice, or just want to discuss, feel free to leave a comment, or drop me a line at Hello@JeffreyDonenfeld.com . Cheers!
