This morning, we are still en route to our first sampling site. All day long, we glance at the monitors—which are placed throughout the main deck (where the labs are) and provide a wide array of information—counting down the hours and then minutes to our arrival. After lunch, we have our first fire drill, followed by liquid nitrogen ice cream making. Eating ice cream has never been so much fun. Along the way, we are treated to a visit by a solitary juvenile wandering albatros

Our position at 6 AM this morning The waves were significant overnight, up to 14 feet, but it’s settled down a bit this morning. It’s still far from calm, though, with the wind at about 22 knots and waves crashing against the porthole before me. But it’s interesting how quickly the body adjusts; the rocking feels almost normal now. I’m pleased that I’m close to mastering the art of walking as opposed to lurching, although this morning, as I exited one lab with the intent of g

During the night, the seas have picked up, and today we are pleasantly rocking and rolling—so far. The weather/wind reports are calling for seas of around 20 feet for the next day or so. It’s impossible to imagine what that will look and feel like when you’ve never experienced it before. So, I visit the bridge this morning to find out more. We’re allowed on the bridge at any time to watch the action, unless the red light outside it is on—a sign that we must not enter. The vie

This morning, it’s all penguins all the time. Now that we’re nearing the end of the sea ice, wider cracks and small patches of open water ease the ship’s passage. It’s a perfect habitat for the small Adélie penguins, providing safe places to rest away from predators and for entry into the water to feed. They speed-waddle and slip (or often trip) onto their bellies and “swim” along the ice, calling raucously to each other all the while. The Weddell seals seem less abundant her

Today we set sail! We are due to depart at 10 AM, so everyone must be on the boat at 9. McMurdo Station has been wonderful, but it’s time for the next portion of our adventure. But first, our mighty icebreaker has an important job to do. The pier is actually sea ice, and it is supposed to float. It is presently too close to shore, and there are concerns it is not floating freely and might crack. So, the RVIB N.B.Palmer has been tasked with hauling it back to its original posi

Today has been a busy work day. The science teams have continued to sort things out, set them up, and tie them down. Once we get underway, and especially when we emerge from the Ross Sea ice into the open Southern Ocean, the water may be rough at times. Anything that isn’t tied down risks being tossed unceremoniously to the floor. The floor itself has metal ridges to stop items sliding across it, and the ceiling has tracks with eyebolt hooks that can be moved at will and used

It’s time to get to work! We meet at the ship at 8AM, and the bustle quickly begins. Our group divides up and starts moving things into the lab each team will be using. Becky’s team is using the large “dry lab.” Colin will be growing diatoms in a tiny room that’s basically a large fridge. Mark’s team is using the bio lab and the hydro lab, and my workspace—when I’m not helping out everyone else—is in the electronics lab. On the aft deck, the cranes are whirring as they load t

Today, after an eclectic breakfast in McMurdo’s bustling expansive galley (dining room), we meet at our research vessel, the RVIB Nathaniel B. Palmer, for a brief orientation tour of the labs and the facilities that will make life comfortable such as the galley, gym, TV lounge, and conference room. The ship is a twisting 3D maze of rooms and corridors and stairs, but I’m sure it will seem like home soon enough. I know we’re all looking forward to moving in tomorrow and starti

Despite the early hour, everyone is wide-eyed and eager to get going when we meet at 5:45 this morning. Back at the USAP base, we and don the clothing mandatory for our ice flight. It seems like a lot to wear on a plane, but this is not a regular plane and we won’t be landing in a regular environment! Who knows what the weather will be like upon our arrival? We pack three kinds of luggage, each appropriately labeled: Check-in: things we won’t need aboard the plane Carry-on: t

At the USAP’s Clothing Distribution Center, adjacent to Christchurch International Airport, we first receive a mandatory briefing. We’re reminded of the importance of protecting Antarctica’s pristine environment, how to dispose of trash (over 60% of materials are recycled and re-purposed, and everything else is carted back to the US via ship). We learn what to do if there are fuel or other spills—not immediately informing authorities of even the smallest incident is considere