Onward to another kind of Light

I have so many pictures and as many stories but no more time. We have flights departing for the outside world almost daily. Mc Murdo Station has been shrinking in size since the 30th of January as hundreds are leaving weekly. My time will soon come too.

With me I'll take my most valuable possessions; memories of friends, Korean vampire movies, adventure, being cold, being very cold, and the power of the human spirit.

I'm on my own

For my friend Daniel in a tale of what could of been, but the future of origami is not dead. Strategically folded paper brings joy not only to its creator, but also to those who view its creation. And as for the woman who denied us such pleasure all those years ago, well she remains just where we left her, in the basement with long rows of tables full of paper and empty chairs.

Skua

Also known as the Raptor of the South. They're like seagulls, but bigger and more aggressive. These predators are afraid of nothing as they loiter outside building 155, that's where the galley is and they dive bomb anyone carrying a plate of food. They arrived in early November, raised their chicks and soon they'll be flying north like us.

Skua is also an exchange area of items you are looking to get rid of, and others you are in need of. Think Goodwill. Clothes, skis, books, expired food, it's also where someone will find an AWESOME paper mache donkey head.

The Adelie, the other penguin

Smaller than the Emperor these guys are so animated and expressive.


Except on this very normal stormy day there was an intense fight within the group. One of them actually pushed another into the water! Although interesting to observe this behavior and the intimation battle between them, it was upsetting to watch. Kind of like watching a fight amongst children in the playground.

The M/V American Tern

Simply known as Vessel. The term Vessel is used to describe not only the ship itself that brings cargo needed to sustain those who will remain for the winter months and ship out the waste from these summer months, but it is a term used to describe our environment during its entire stay here at McMurdo.

Things are different during "Vessel". For starters the US Navy sent down men and women as did the New Zealand Defense Force to offload the cargo. This not only adds to the population in considerable numbers but it also changes the dynamic of the population. The roads are busy with trucks creating not just traffic but dust, and a lot of it. The station also goes dry while Vessel is in port altering after dinner activities somewhat.

For me the ship is a grand visitor from the outside and is a wonderful reminder that there is an entire world out there, somewhere, far away from here.

Pegasus White Ice Runway and Skiway

What keeps us alive, bringing food, supplies, and support.


... and is a long way from town.


Named after the C-121 Constellation Pegasus that crashed, or rather had a "hard landing" in 1970.


It is buried, but not forgotten.