Today the team completed their combined efforts to collect DMSP RTD while physically on-site; another seven passes successfully captured without a hitch. Our JPSS/Raytheon hosts provided all the schedule contacts during the shift and we captured all that we needed. Unfortunately, we were not able to capture a cloud free line of site pass over McMurdo and these passes would have been very early/late in the day when folks were not scheduled to work. Tomorrow is a Station wide down day so no one is scheduled for work so we all said goodbye to the JSOC. I plan to visit the local chapel tonight or very early tomorrow to spend a few reflecting moments as I will not attend tomorrow's mass. My teammates will try, weather and wind permitting, to ascend observation hill; OB Hill for short. The local hill is a steep climb but can provide amazing viewing of the Station, Ross Ice field and Mount Erebus. We'll try to get this done early to make it back for shower and still make the Sunday brunch meal. Tonight the Station will host a movie/celebration/party with the Mad Max theme. Many of the team will either take in this rowdy event or seek something more quiet and relaxing; I'll definitely be doing the later.
We received our confirmation of being on the Monday early AM manifest for a C17 ride home; we'll be joined by 65 other passengers as the last three day's flight have been cancelled for weather. We're praying for clearing skies, firm roadways and runway so that we can remain on schedule for our trip back to the states. Our Auckland to LAX flights are schedule Wednesday NZ time which leaves 1-day of weather contingency.
Tomorrow will be my last blog entry from the Station and will upload more pictures to share as time is short this evening.
No comments:
Post a Comment