Cool Pictures of Antarctic Animals

So here are some awesome pictures of penguins and whales. These photos belong to a group of scientists that were here studying the whales. I did get to see penguins this year, but my pictures aren't this cool. I have never seen a whale this close while here. A few years ago. I did see some... but I was looking through a telescope.

I thought you would enjoy these photos as the animals are in their natural habitat instead of a zoo or aquarium.

It's getting closer to our departure date. We are clearing out our room and getting ready to fly. I can't wait to eat sushi and lots and lots of fresh fruit..... Yummy!!!

Miss you all!!!

McMurdo sign.....
Here is a picture of Geoff and I posing in front of the McMurdo Station sign. This is the popular spot for McMurdo folk to come and get photographed.... mostly for family, friends and proof they have been here (I guess???). Not too much to write about this post... just thought some of you would appreciate the picture.

Resupply Vessel

These are pictures of the American Tern... the resupply vessel that comes to town with the goods for the winter and following year. Most of McMurdo and South Pole stock comes to Antarctica via the "Vessel". Some goods are sent down on aircraft missions, but because of high cost of flights only high priority items are flown down. The ship is chock full of container... of frozen food, construction equipment and lots of other random things.

Vessel time equals long days and nights to get the containers of the ship and put away.... and the waste containers and stock leaving McMurdo loaded onto the ship. Bars are closed and alcohol isn't sold in the stores during thie time either. It's all about Vessel.

Hurray for Penguins!!!

Today was a great day... no an AWESOME day!!! I got to see penguins and ride in a helicopter.

Our destination for the trip was originally Cape Royds (a penguin rookery), but when we got in the air, the helicopter pilot noticed the cloudy weather over the area.... so he diverted to Cape Evans. Which is not know for penguins. All of us were just happy to have a helicopter ride and get out of town. So we toured the hut and enjoyed ourselves. After about an hour the pilots noticed the weather lifted and brought us to Cape Royds.

Yippie Skippy!!! Two trips in one.....

At Cape Royds... I saw penguins and seals... and got to hang out in Shackelton's Hut. although the weather was cloudy it was a nice calm day. A few folks were even walking around with out their big red parka's on. Of course as you see in the pictures.... I was nice and cozy in my ECW (extreme cold weather gear).