Today began a bit later than normal as the JPSS team had indicated a need to reconfigure their systems to get ready for System Acceptance Test (Jan12) and test an overnight deployment of their Ground Ops software. JPSS will switch back to their T-Site receptor for the remaining period we are on station giving us a chance to test with both of their antennas.
For this blog entry I'll shift my focus to more of the McMurdo experience; the good the bad and the ugly. First the good. The Station is quite concentrated and everything is easily accessible, the one problem is that things have been haphazardly developed and it seems that no master plan exists. I'm sure that when funding comes available that it leads to "just get it done" this build season as the funds are expiring. However, what they've done here is still quite amazing and productive. The Station houses a maximum of 1100-1200 folks by using multi-story dormitories all with common area restrooms, showers and lounge areas. Some of the dorms are better than others and offer differing "creature comforts." Our three story dorm is relatively new/modern and we even have Internet network drops in the rooms. Our room is ~10x16' and is home to three men. The room holds one bunk bed and a standalone twin bed, two wardrobe closets, one desk and small fridge; our fridge does not work. The room's window is covered heavily to block the ever present sunlight as it is full daylight 24 hours a day given that the Station is above the Antarctic circle. The floor's restroom has two showers, two stools and three sinks. We also have a laundry room with three washers and dryers.
The Station's galley serves three meals per day each having an early, mid and late window to phase the residents through the food service. All meals are buffet style and the food is more than adequate (hot, plentiful and palatable). The galley's "good stuff" is rationed by limiting a guest to X of an item, e.g. egg rolls, fried cheese sticks, etc. As one can imagine the food is based on frozen, canned or dried goods as not too much comes in truly fresh other than select fruit, salad greens and sometimes eggs/milk. We've really had decent meals, e.g. meatloaf, chicken fried rice, fajitas and spicy curry chicken or beef stews. Each meal offers three main course choices, fruit, salad, vegetables and desserts; Major Gaber's favorite has been the soft serve ice cream machine... ;-)
The people of the Station comes from all backgrounds, walks of life, education level and belief systems. There is a consistent and genuine focus on care for the environment, respect of the wildlife and the pristine nature of the Antarctic continent. Everyone is very friendly, generally outgoing and approachable, after all there's not to many folks here and they all need to work, live and survive together. I have a new sense of respect and appreciation for the sacrifices the Station dwellers make for the USAP's research work and support of others' programs/projects. Folks here really have a love for the mission, the Station's people and the work they support all over the continent. Many of us went to the post office and mail room so that we could get our passports officially stamped "to prove we really were here." Some folks are boxing up clothing to ship back via USPS to make room for souvenirs or equipment returning to the states.
The weather has been quite mild by the Station's standards. The temperature drops later in the day into the mid teens and may hit 30 degrees for a high. However, the cloud cover and winds change very rapidly here so extreme cold weather (ECW) gear goes with everyone that leaves the station. Today the winds picked up putting a real bite in the "feels like" temperature; we've had off and on snow showers and overcast skies. The Station's vehicles and equipment are either antiques (WWII and Vietnam vintage trucks) or quite new passenger vehicles. All the heavy construction equipment is very new and reliable as so much is at stake if they do not perform.
Tonight's social event included a ride (~20 minutes drive) over to New Zealand's Scott Base because the Kiwi's extend an open invitation to the McMurdo inhabitants; invitations are required to enter their installation. The group shopped in their gift store and then took in a beverage at the pub while shooting the breeze and playing pool.
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