Well, its been a long while since my last post. This is due to consistant & steady work, combined with lethargy and longing for home. It is true that we are working diligently to get to our stretch goal of 19 strings (which we will do ahead of schedule) but some things hve changed. I am now a solo-cable guy with the departure of Claire in late December and Tim moving to night shift to be deployment lead (although Tim is still a big part of the cable duties that get done... thanks a ton, Tim). The point is that now I am mostly working alone during the day, which is a double-edged sword. I like working alone, I can concentrate on the task at hand, but I dislike being alone, in the middle of nowhere, away from my family. But that will change soon! I am scheduled to leave the South Pole on the 27th of Jan (two weeks!) and after a night in McMurdo and a couple in Christchurch, I should be home on the 30th or the 31st.
The 30th started off like any other South Pole day. A little overcast but temps around a scorching -5F. As the wind picked up a little, small ice crystals started to form in the air (I know, you might want to call them snowflakes, but they're not quite snow). Here they're known as diamond dust. They are what gives rise to one of the most stunning and spectacular natural phenomena, Sun Dogs. These are common to Antarctica but almost non-existant to the rest of the world. The crystals create an optical effect when they are blown past the sun, causing rainbows, bright spots and bright lines to appear. Words cannot possibly do these events justice, in fact, these pictures barely give an idea to the awe they inspire. I thought of these as my own personal birthday gift from God.
So you ask, "How could you possibly follow that up with anything better?" Well, how about a 104 degree hot tub, big enough for 60 of
your closest friends? That will do just fine. The swing shift and night shift drillers worked diligently to prepare, fill and maintain the pool, while babysitting all the celebrators that came to partake (and par-tay).
Here's your author with a perma-grin and a hat full of scotch.
On that note, let me catch you up on the last few weeks...
There have been quite a few goings-on around here, a birthday (mine), new years celebration, and drill baby drill! When I last left off we were preparing for a New Years Eve celebration of unmatched proportions and enthusiasm. My birthday here was quiet and pleasant without too much pomp and circumstance. It was a day of rest to mentally and physically prepare for the celeration to follow.
The 30th started off like any other South Pole day. A little overcast but temps around a scorching -5F. As the wind picked up a little, small ice crystals started to form in the air (I know, you might want to call them snowflakes, but they're not quite snow). Here they're known as diamond dust. They are what gives rise to one of the most stunning and spectacular natural phenomena, Sun Dogs. These are common to Antarctica but almost non-existant to the rest of the world. The crystals create an optical effect when they are blown past the sun, causing rainbows, bright spots and bright lines to appear. Words cannot possibly do these events justice, in fact, these pictures barely give an idea to the awe they inspire. I thought of these as my own personal birthday gift from God.So you ask, "How could you possibly follow that up with anything better?" Well, how about a 104 degree hot tub, big enough for 60 of
your closest friends? That will do just fine. The swing shift and night shift drillers worked diligently to prepare, fill and maintain the pool, while babysitting all the celebrators that came to partake (and par-tay).Here's your author with a perma-grin and a hat full of scotch.
So, for two days, we got to forget what we were supposed to be doing and, for a while, where we were. It was a much needed interlude to a season that is shaping up to be 120% of the season we were planning (in about 95% of the time).
Now that we are two weeks into the new year, we have deployed 5 more stings and will deploy the 6th tomorrow (probably before anyone in the real world reads this). The drillers will take a day or two off and then the home stretch of 3 more holes will be started around Thursday or Friday.
Christine & Mikey - hey sweetie, hang in there... I'm coming home soon! I miss you lots and cant wait to be home. Love you both... lots!
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