tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-94919172024-03-23T12:00:09.905-06:00The Blur's South Pole AdventuresA blog describing the adventures of a minor celeberity from the mid-west at Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station.Blurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14906254456161624831noreply@blogger.comBlogger102125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9491917.post-79687520915815018972013-11-24T00:50:00.002-07:002013-11-24T00:50:22.798-07:00Verify linkgoogle-site-verification: google04ebf5e2fd0ad31c.htmlBlurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14906254456161624831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9491917.post-1157320419958760802006-09-03T15:53:00.000-06:002013-11-24T00:43:52.484-07:00One of the Grand Old Traditions of Winter Overs<span style="font-family: arial;">Well I have marked the last of the "must-do" off my list for the winter - <span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The 300 Club</span></span>. This past Saturday offered what appears to be the last chance for this season so I took it. For those not versed in it here is how it goes. Once the outside temperature reaches -100F you head to the sauna located on the first floor. You strip down to about nothing and bring the sauna up to +200F using cold water on the thermostat. <a href="http://jeffderosa.blogspot.com/">Jeff DeRosa</a> and I sat in there for about 30 minutes getting this up to temperature. <a href="http://nowhere-to-go-but-up.blogspot.com/">Neal Scheibe</a> came down after about 20 minutes to join it as did NOAA Tech Johan Booth. Sitting in a 195 degree sauna takes it out of you, I was sweating like a pig. Once we got the sauna to 200 (Thanks to Johan) we head out to door to the beer can. From here it is a flight of steps to the door. Then outside head towards the Geographical Pole over a large snow drift. I was the first to arrive and Don Jeter took the following glamorous shot.</span><br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3491/693/1600/Edited-Blur300.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3491/693/320/Edited-Blur300.jpg" style="cursor: pointer;" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Patrick "Blur" McClure - Winter 06 300 Club by Don Jeter</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: arial;">Okay, so I edited the photo so grade school kids who are writing about the South Pole don't stumble onto something that will ruin them forever. Then I stand out there for what seems forever as the incredibly pokey (as in slow) Jeff and Neal show up for this classic photo.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; font-size: 78%;"><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">As you can tell Jeff edited this photo but I am too lazy to redo it. No man is incredibly proud at -100F if you know what I mean. And yes that is ice frozen on us. I tried to wipe the sweat from the sauna off, Neal and Jeff thought they'd give it a go as a purists (nothing except shoes, I wore a gaiter and gloves). By this time I was getting cold. Jeff and Neal are outside everyday, I am outside when something breaks or there is trauma team drill (no incidents this season). So we start to trek back in and the wind gets really cold and I can feel the exposed bits freezing. I sprint the last bit trying not to fall (which is really bad) on the snow drift. The three of us startle a burly electrician in the beer can (I'm sure he was not ready for a bunch of man nudity on the stairwell at 3:30p). Right back to first floor of the station (annoying our staff engineer who is trying to take out the trash by big naked bodies running down the hall). After a few minutes in the sauna you feel much better. No frostbite and not worse for the wear. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3491/693/1600/Scroll%20300%20Club.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3491/693/320/Scroll%20300%20Club.jpg" style="cursor: pointer;" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial;">Jeter took this scroll shot just before we headed out. The picture is the patch you get at the end of the year for doing the 300 Club. It was definitely different and probably the dumbest thing I have done all winter. But where else can you do this?<br /><br />Then we have an all hands meeting (where the Master Chief Lohr made sure everyone on station knew of my nakedness just an hour earlier). We decide to take a station photo outside in -100F (clothed this time). It is hard to take a group photo because everyone has to hold their breathe or all you get is white mist (water vapor freezing when leaving the mouth).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"></span></span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size: 78%;">South Pole Winter Overs 2006 -100F Photo by <a href="http://www.antarctic-adventures.de/">Robert Schwarz</a></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial;"><br />You can find me by looking at the guy on the ground (Robert Schwarz), straight up and first Green/Black jacket standing on right with blue gaiter (look familiar?) It was nice to get everyone outside with the twilight in the background. Well I think that will suffice for a post today, couple of other things to write about but I can only hold your attention so long.<br /><br />If you need a copy of the unedited photo's email me and I will set you with a link. Lord knows why you would want to see it but it out there if you need it.</span></div>
Blurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14906254456161624831noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9491917.post-12382001456426668712007-05-10T10:21:00.000-06:002007-05-10T11:07:03.535-06:00Not Many Adventures, Anymore<span style="font-family:arial;">It has been sometime since I have updated this blog. A lot has changed and I thought I'd bring everyone up to date. First off I attended the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Raytheon</span> Polar Services Company job fair in early April and talked to people about going back. It appears the options were open to me if I so chose. I started <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">contemplating</span> returning to the long night and the friendly confines of Amundsen-Scott Station.<br /><br />Later that same day I got a call which turned into a job offer from <a href="http://www.sun.com/">Sun <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Microsystems</span> Inc</a>. The money was about the same as the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">RPSC</span> money, would be a full time position, located 7 miles from my condo, full benefits and would start relatively soon. When weighed against contract work that would not start until September, the endless <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">PQ</span> process and the fact I would be locked away in semi-seclusion for another 13 months prompted me to take the Sun job.<br /><br />I've been at Sun for two weeks now and everything is going really well. Sure there are some corporate cultural differences from what I am used to and new hire paperwork is confusing anywhere you go. My new boss is fantastic and the campus I work at is like a university. Other IT folks who know me will chuckle that I now use a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sun_Ray"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">SunRay</span></a> thin client and <a href="http://www.sun.com/software/solaris/">Solaris 10</a> for everything.<br /><br />So where does this leave "The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Blur's</span> South Pole Adventures?" Well probably in limbo. I can't write much about the Pole because I get my info from mostly the same sources as everyone else; Neal <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Scheibe</span>, Michael <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Rehm</span>, and the South Pole Station Website. I do occasionally get a tidbit from my sources inside <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">RPSC</span> but usually they are of a boring technical type that make for poor blogging.<br /><br />So will I ever return? Very hard to say, I would like to explore this opportunity at Sun and see just how far I can go. I definitely do feel a "pull" from the ice, especially toward Palmer, the one station that has eluded me in my travels. But the earliest opening there is March 2008, so I have lots of time to think about it. So maybe check back in January 2008 and see if I am packing.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Blur's</span> new corporate contact information:<br /><br /></span><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="519"> <tbody><tr valign="top"> <td height="121" width="98"><a href="http://www.sun.com/"><img send="true" src="http://www.sun.com/emrkt/sigs/6h_top.gif" border="0" height="92" width="98" /></a></td> <td style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10px;" height="121" width="249"> <b> Patrick McClure </b><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">ITOps</span> - Procurement and Logistics<br /><br /><b>Sun <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Microsystems</span>, Inc.</b><br />500 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Eldorado</span> Blvd.<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Broomfield</span>, CO 80021 US<br />Phone 303-272-4046/x74046<br />Email Patrick.McClure@Sun.COM<br /> </td> <td style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10px;" width="172"><img send="true" src="http://www.sun.com/emrkt/sigs/q12.gif" height="118" width="172" /></td> </tr> </tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Maybe I will blog about my adventures in Denver.... Probably not.<br /></span>Blurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14906254456161624831noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9491917.post-1165441809529779062006-12-06T14:50:00.000-07:002006-12-06T15:54:18.056-07:00Super Duper Post #100 - The Vacation!<span style="font-family:arial;">So I have been a little slow since I got home. But seeing how I am one post from 100 and have lots of pictures to share why not go for it. So without further adieu, my vacation/adventure:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND<br /></span>Christchurch is the largest city on the South Island. It is one of my favorites from the trip. Great nightlife, cheap drinks, cool things to see. Could have spent a few weeks here if time would have allowed.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/ChristchurchCathedral.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/ChristchurchCathedral.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />The center of Christchurch is based on this Cathedral.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/WW1Starue.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/WW1Starue.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />A WWI monument in the Cathedral Square.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/MeNealJeff.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/MeNealJeff.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Myself, Neal and Jeff after breakfast. We all stayed at the YMCA.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/Neal&MarkatTapRoom.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/Neal&MarkatTapRoom.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Here is Mark Noske and Neal eating at the Tap Room. You cook your food on a very hot brick. Sounds cool but was too much like work for me.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/JeanetteInPhonebooth.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/JeanetteInPhonebooth.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Jeanette being Jeanette in a phone booth.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/NealJeffJeanetteLyttletonHike.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/NealJeffJeanetteLyttletonHike.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/NealJeffJeanetteAgain.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/NealJeffJeanetteAgain.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Neal, Jeff and Jeanette on a little trail outside of Lyttleton.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/OverlookingLyttleton.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/OverlookingLyttleton.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />That's me overlooking Lyttleton Harbor.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/SmallBeachAtLyttleton.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/SmallBeachAtLyttleton.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">A little beach in Lyttleton.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/LyttletonHarbor.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/LyttletonHarbor.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/LyttletonHarbor2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/LyttletonHarbor2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Shots of the harbor.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/MrWhippy.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/MrWhippy.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Neal posing with the Mr. Whippy truck. Notice that Neal is holding the "Longest Drink in Town." A special shout out to Red Socks and Sun Dresses. There is a long story about this rest stop but I have too much to post now to spend five paragraphs explaining it.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/JeanettewithRose.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/JeanettewithRose.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/JeanettewithFlowers.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/JeanettewithFlowers.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Jeanette in the Botanical Gardens. Christchurch is known as "The Garden City."</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/JeanetteAtAntarcticAdventure.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/JeanetteAtAntarcticAdventure.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">How do you top the Botanical Gardens? A trip to the "Antarctic Adventure Center." This is in the cold room of -20C. Jeanette trying to get her tongue stuck.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >AKAROA, NEW ZEALAND</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Akaroa is a small town south-east of CHC. A surprisingly long drive through hilly terrain and one lane roads. Don't get me started on the one lane bridges. The town is incredibly laid back. This was the only French settlement in New Zealand but not much remains of the French influence except the road names.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/DrivingToAkaroa.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/DrivingToAkaroa.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Very green and a harbor surrounded by mountains.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/AkaroaHarbor.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/AkaroaHarbor.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/AkaroaHarbor2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/AkaroaHarbor2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">A couple of shots of the harbor. The water is very clear, if not a little chilly.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/JeanettePosing.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/JeanettePosing.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Jeanette posing in front of the harbor.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Wanaka, New Zealand</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">We were trying to make it to Queenstown but got a late start out of Akaroa and I underestimated the time it takes to travel in New Zealand. So we ended up getting to Wanaka late at night and basically turning around and heading towards Fox Glacier.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/LeavingAkaroa.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/LeavingAkaroa.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">A shot out of car window on the way to Wanaka. A small rain storm blowing in off the ocean.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/RoadToWanaka.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/RoadToWanaka.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">We past three very large lakes and reservoirs. The water in this one was very blue.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/RaodToWanaka2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/RaodToWanaka2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">There was a small rain the night before but there was run off rolling down the mountains. We saw many little waterfalls like this one.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/KingsLookOut.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/KingsLookOut.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/KingsLookOut2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/KingsLookOut2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/KingsLookOut3.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/KingsLookOut3.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">So we spent the night in Wanaka and headed towards Fox Glacier. Here is the Kings Point scenic overview. This is the west side of the island (CHC and Akaroa were on the east coast).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/RoadToFoxGlacierVillage.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/RoadToFoxGlacierVillage.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Another shot out the window on the coastal drive.<span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >FOX GLACIER, NEW ZEALAND</span><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;">So we made it to Fox Glacier Village. Not much to talk about in the town but we signed up for Ice Climbing the glacier. So after a good night sleep I get up and want to take a shower. We stayed a a backpackers that you have to pay for hot water in the shower!!!! That did not start my day off right. But the climb was worth it.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/FoxGlacier2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/FoxGlacier2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">First look at the glacier.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/FoxGlacier.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/FoxGlacier.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Another look as we start to hike.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/FoxGlacierOutlet.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/FoxGlacierOutlet.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Here is the outlet of the glacier. the rains from the night before had blown out a lot of large chunks of ice.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/AdamTheOtherClimber.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/AdamTheOtherClimber.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Here is a picture of Adam from Michigan. He was the other climber in our group. He was a lot more experienced climbing than Jeanette or I. Jeanette climbs indoors, but I have never done any climbing. Notice the guides in the background fixing the path for tour groups.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/MeHikingGlacier.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/MeHikingGlacier.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Hiking the glacier. That's Malcolm our guide in the red. Behind me in Gill (Jill) the Quality Assurance person for the guides.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/MeLearningToBelayAdam.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/MeLearningToBelayAdam.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I'm learning to belay for Adam. Believe me, it is a lot easier to belay for Jeanette than Adam.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/MeHeroShot.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/MeHeroShot.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Now that I did not kill Adam or Jeanette in their first climbs time to pose for a hero shot in case I fall to my death.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/MePreparingToClimbForFirstTime.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/MePreparingToClimbForFirstTime.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">A shot of me preparing to climb for the first time.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/CallingMyShot.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/CallingMyShot.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I survived the first one, so I am pointing out something more difficult.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/HikingToAnotherClimbSpot.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/HikingToAnotherClimbSpot.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">So we hike to the another climb point.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/ALittleCavass.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/ALittleCavass.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">A little cavass. The are very blue from the oxygen trapped in them.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/JeanetteBelaying.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/JeanetteBelaying.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Jeanette belaying me on my second climb.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/ShowingMyAxe.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/ShowingMyAxe.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Yep, that's my ice axe.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/OurGuideMalcomAndJeanette.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/OurGuideMalcomAndJeanette.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Malcolm and Jeanette hiking to another climb spot.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/SchoolGroupOnHike.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/SchoolGroupOnHike.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">You probably have to expand this picture to see it but there is a school group on a hike in the distance here. Gives you an idea of how big this glacier is. BTW... Fox Glacier is the largest in New Zealand beating out Frans Josef.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/JeanetteOnThirdClimb.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/JeanetteOnThirdClimb.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Jeanette's third climb of the day.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/JeanetteWayUpThere.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/JeanetteWayUpThere.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">She's way up there.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/MeAbout3QuartersUpFirstClimb.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/MeAbout3QuartersUpFirstClimb.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">This is me about 3/4 the way up.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/DebrisOnGlacierTop.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/DebrisOnGlacierTop.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">These rocks are debris that has been scrapped up by the glacier over time and have worked their way to the surface.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/AnIdeaOfOurHeight.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/AnIdeaOfOurHeight.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">As we head to our final descent/ascent point this shot gives you an idea of how high we are. Some of these openings go all the way to the bottom.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/SemiActionShot.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/SemiActionShot.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Me in action!</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/JeanetteWithIceAxe.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/JeanetteWithIceAxe.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Jeanette with her trusty ice axe.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/OurFinalClimb.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/OurFinalClimb.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">An idea of what we are doing for our last climb. Descending and then climbing out.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/MeAndAdamWaitForMalcomToGearUp.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/MeAndAdamWaitForMalcomToGearUp.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Adam and I waiting for Malcolm to gear up.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/HowNotToDescend.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/HowNotToDescend.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Jeanette bravely went first. Here she demonstrates how not to descend. Notice her feet are above her ice axes. How she got free from here I will never know. My groin would have cracked like a wishbone.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/ThatIsBetter.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/ThatIsBetter.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">She's straighten out and working down well here.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/WorkingDownALedge.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/WorkingDownALedge.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Here is Jeanette continuing to work her way down. She climbed out with no issues.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/StillDescending.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/StillDescending.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">A picture of me descending. Notice I am keeping my boots below my ice axes.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/MyDescentAtAbout8Meters.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/MyDescentAtAbout8Meters.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">That's me about 8m down.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/ClimbingUp.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/ClimbingUp.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Me climbing back out.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/GoodAxeBadIceChunks.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/GoodAxeBadIceChunks.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/IceInTheFace.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/IceInTheFace.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Gill was trying to get a picture of my axe swings but instead caught me getting pelted with ice chips.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/GoingOverTheEdgeIsHard.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/GoingOverTheEdgeIsHard.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/IceAxeInAction.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/IceAxeInAction.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Going over the edge was the hardest part. Here we actually see one of my axe swings.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/PullingOver.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/PullingOver.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/IAmOut.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/IAmOut.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Here I pull myself over and out. A little harder than it looks.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/JeanetteAndMeOnGlacier.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/JeanetteAndMeOnGlacier.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Jeanette and I on Fox Glacier. I look beat and Jeanette keeps on smiling. The climbing was a lot of fun but on the hike back it started to rain. Ran into two Polies at the bottom of the glacier (Rechelle Parent and Noah Beyeler). Went out to dinner with them and Adam. Had a good time. This time I stayed a place that did not charge for hot water!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Nelson, New Zealand<br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;">Got to Nelson and it was rainy. All the places we wanted to stay were booked so we scrambled for a place to stay. Wish we had more time here because it seems like a cool city. But have a booking on the Picton-Wellington ferry the next day.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/OnTheInterIslanderFerry.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/OnTheInterIslanderFerry.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;">A picture of me and Jeanette on the InterIslander ferry. This is how we crossed from the South Island to the North Island. Notice I have shaved.<br /><br />Wellington, Hamilton and Auckland, New Zealand<br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;">Well I did not take many pictures of the three cities on the North Island. Wellington seemed really nice. Hamilton was a college town and Auckland was similar to what I am used to in Denver but with a harbor.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Sydney, Australia</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Sydney was great. A lot warmer than New Zealand. I did have a car here so my life became a lot simpler. After striking out on the first couple of places we tried to stay at we ended up at the Base Backpackers on Kent (Wanderers on Kent). For those who not familar with Base, they are pretty basic but popular with young backpacker crowd. A common promotion is a free beer when you check in.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/StefanJeanetteMeAtLordNelson.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/StefanJeanetteMeAtLordNelson.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/SameJeanetteWithStefansCard.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/SameJeanetteWithStefansCard.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">So our first day we meet a local named Stefan, who pointed us in the right direction. His suggestions where great and we had a blast.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/SailingOutOnManlyFerry.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/SailingOutOnManlyFerry.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Here we are sailing out to Manly on the Manly Ferry.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/SailBoatsInHarbor.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/SailBoatsInHarbor.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />There was some sort of sailboat race going on.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/AboutHalfWayToManly.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/AboutHalfWayToManly.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />We are about halfway between Manly and the Circular Quay. You can see the Opera House in this shot.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/SydneyOperaHouse.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/SydneyOperaHouse.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Here is a better shot of the Opera House.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/MeInSydney.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/MeInSydney.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />A shot of me in the Circular Quay waiting for the ferry.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/JeanetteInBikini.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/JeanetteInBikini.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />It just wouldn't be my blog without at least one shot of Jeanette in a bikini.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/MeWalkingOnBeach.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/MeWalkingOnBeach.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />That's me walking on Manly Beach.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/ReturnToCircularQuay.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/ReturnToCircularQuay.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Here is the Opera House on the return from Manly Beach to Circular Quay.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/BuyingTicketsToTheOpera.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/BuyingTicketsToTheOpera.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Jeanette outside the ticket door. We bought some tickets and saw the ballet the next day. We don't have any good pictures because they don't allow photos in the Opera House.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/MeOutsideTheMaritimeMuesum.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/MeOutsideTheMaritimeMuesum.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />The day after the opera we went around town some more. This is the Maritime Muesum.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/StarbucksAreEverywhere.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pmcclure.com/vacation/blog/StarbucksAreEverywhere.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Jeanette in front of one of the many Starbucks that dot Sydney. Even the Aussies pay $7 bucks a coffee. What's up with that?<br /><br />Then we went home to Denver. Not much else to say. Itb took 5 hours to put this post together so I hope everyone enjoys it.<br /><br /></span>Blurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14906254456161624831noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9491917.post-1163129388378610622006-11-09T20:29:00.000-07:002006-11-09T20:29:49.046-07:00So I'm in Christchurch<span style="font-family:arial;">And everything is going well. Seen all the Polies, had a few memorable nights and today I rented a car. What a trip to drive on the wrong side of the road, round-a-bouts and all the right brained processes the Kiwi's have. Supposed to pick up Neal tonight so I did a test run to the airport with Guy Thomerson bravely being my co-pilot. Almost took all the paint off the left side of the car (not really).</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">So after I rent my car I go back to the room and there is a lizard in it. I am not kidding, a lizard. Needless to say I moved to different room (422).</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I am also sick now. Damned <strong>F</strong>i<strong>NG</strong>ies getting me sick. It could be all the 4a nights are not helping but it is easier to blame the new people. So on top of driving on the wrong side, a lizard, I am now stoned on sudafed. What a day and Neal wants to go out tonight. Jeez...</span>Blurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14906254456161624831noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9491917.post-1162867341263957442006-11-06T19:29:00.000-07:002006-11-06T20:06:02.213-07:00Sitting in McMurdo<span style="font-family:arial;">Well I left Pole and now sit in McMurdo waiting. Waiting for a flight that has been delayed by helicopter parts in New Zealand. So my time in the Antarctic Program continues. I logged in this morning to about 40 emails (lucky none from Jeri and Dave, my replacements). I had a ton of reminders for reports, meetings and inspections. It felt good to click DISMISS on all of them.<br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">One of the cool things was when I got to my room (shared with Tom Lohr, Guy Thomerson and Robert Powell) there was a stocked with beer and rum. There was a note from Cannon, DeRosa, Head and Jeter to enjoy and share with others. We actually saw them on the ice runway sitting on the DELTA waiting to board the C-17. I assume it was them, as they were waving at us as we drove towards town.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />I hope to catch the other Polies still in NZ and meet some new people while in CHC as I wait for my travel partner. I can't find any good pictures but here is Castle Rock which you can hike to. Yes that is an active volcano in the distance.<br /></span><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3491/693/1600/CastleRock.jpg"><img style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3491/693/320/CastleRock.jpg" border="0" /></a>Blurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14906254456161624831noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9491917.post-1162675084602223592006-11-04T12:56:00.000-07:002006-11-04T14:18:05.260-07:00Turnover - Almost Gone<span style="font-family: arial;">Well the 2nd has come and gone and I am still at the Pole. But it looks like I am leaving tomorrow, the 6th. My replacement is a South Pole veteran who knows his way around which makes my leaving a little easier. So I am still on for my previously stated vacation, just starting a little later. I have already received emails from fellow WinterOvers in Christchurch as to where to meet them.<br /><br />I wanted to say <span style="font-weight: bold;">THANK YOU</span> to all those who been reading my blog and sending kind and funny words to keep me going. It has been a challenging 374 days but all in all it was worth it. I hope this provided a glimpse into my year on the ice. Will I return to the Pole or even Antarctica? I don't know, I am a little too close to the subject right now. Ask in in three months.<br /><br />My new contact info as of December 1...<br /><br />Patrick McClure<br />12101 Melody Drive #16-102<br />Westminster, CO 80234<br />patrickmcclure@hotmail.com<br /><br />I'd love to hear from all you folks when I am back in the real world.<br /><br />Best Regards... Patrick<br /></span>Blurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14906254456161624831noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9491917.post-1161989346008324382006-10-27T16:35:00.000-06:002006-10-27T18:23:38.050-06:00Since I'm still stranded, this is the outline of my vacation.<span style="font-family:arial;">No flights yet. We are a week plus behind now. So my estimated departure is in jeopardy. So I can complain about things which are totally out of my control or I can tell you want I am looking forward to... my vacation! So here is a rough run down of my plans:<br /><br />Arrive in <a href="http://www.christchurch.org.nz/">Christchurch, New Zealand</a> (<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=Christchurch,+NZ&ie=UTF8&amp;amp;z=11&ll=-43.529998,172.639999&spn=0.440578,1.087646&t=h&om=1">MAP</a>) sometime around November 4th. Staying at the <a href="http://www.ymcachch.org.nz/">YMCA</a> across from the <a href="http://www.ccc.govt.nz/parks/botanicgardens/">Botanical Gardens</a>. Meet up with other Polies at the our unofficial hangout <a href="http://www.thedux.co.nz/index.cfm/Christchurch">Dux de Lux</a> right down the street. Rent a car, book some lodging and get some sun. Go with the flow until the 11th when this girl shows up:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://pmcclure.com/jrm/Jeannette.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://pmcclure.com/jrm/Jeannette.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Who will travel with me for three weeks or until we get sick of each other. Spend another night in Chch.<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);">November 13th</span> - travel to the French settled <a href="http://www.akaroa.com/">Akaroa</a>. This place looks really cool but because of other agenda items I can only book a day there. Check out the topography on this <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&amp;amp;q=Akaroa,+NZ&ie=UTF8&z=10&ll=-43.665885,172.750397&spn=0.879174,2.175293&t=h&om=1&iwloc=addr">map</a>. Surrounded by hills I have heard nothing but good things about it.<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);">November 14th</span> - Travel to <a href="http://www.queenstown-nz.co.nz/">Queenstown</a> or Te Anau. Won't do much here except to get ready for the </span><strong><em>M.V. Friendship</em></strong><span style="font-family:arial;"> <a href="http://www.realjourneys.co.nz/Main/OvernightCruises/">overnight cruise of Milford Sound.</a> This was suggested to me by Tim Nicoll.<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);">November 16th</span> - Travel to <a href="http://www.discover-new-zealand.co.uk/greymouth/">Greymouth</a> to <a href="http://www.foxguides.co.nz/">ice climb Fox Glacier</a>. My travel partner likes climbing so this stop is hers. Denis Barkats strongly suggested the ice climbing.<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);">November 17th</span> - Arrive in Nelson. Just like the rest of the South Island people seem to rave about this northern coastal city. We spend two days here as I hear the beaches are great. Once again my travel companion is pushing the adrenaline button by doing <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.skydive.co.nz/">this</a> over <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=Abel+Tasman+National+Park,+Tasman,+New+Zealand&ie=UTF8&amp;amp;lr=lang_en&z=10&ll=-40.973159,172.889786&spn=0.917617,2.175293&amp;t=h&om=1">Abel Tasman National Park</a>. This guy:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://nowhere-to-go-but-up.blogspot.com/"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://pmcclure.com/south%20pole/october06/neal.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Should be off the ice by then and said he'd like to participate in tempting death. We spend two days in Nelson before heading north.<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);">November 18th</span> - Travel to <a href="http://www.wellingtonnz.com/">Wellington</a> via <a href="http://www.interislander.co.nz/">Picton Ferry</a> which crosses the channel between the two islands. Wellington is the capital of New Zealand and supposedly the most cultured city in the world (just beating out Sydney, Australia). We spend two days here.<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);">November 20th</span> - Head north again to Auckland. One in three Kiwi's live in Auckland. On the way we stop at the <a href="http://www.waitomo.com/waitomo-glowworm-caves.aspx">Glow Worm Caves in Waitomo</a> for the tour.<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);">November 21st</span> - Lose the car and fly to <a href="http://www.sydney.com.au/">Sydney, Australia</a>. Have not planned this far ahead yet. Obviously take the Harbor Tour and visit the <a href="http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/">Opera House</a> (maybe see a show). I'd like to go up the coast and see the <a href="http://www.great-barrier-reef.com/">Great Barrier Reef </a>but time will be tight and who knows how worn out we'll be by then.<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);">November 24th</span> - Head for the good ol' USA. I might not head directly home but then again I have a mighty powerful desire to sleep in my own bed. Anybody want a ragged Polie to come and visit?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span>Blurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14906254456161624831noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9491917.post-1161550947154577582006-10-22T15:01:00.000-06:002006-10-22T15:02:27.360-06:00Grooming<span style="font-family:arial;">As the first flight gets near (and delayed and delayed and delayed again). It is time to focus on something I have not done in a while - grooming. The two two-minute showers don't seem like much. But to take a two-minute shower there is a lot of planning and effort. Plus you never get warm enough and by the time you are done you are wet and cold instead of just cold. So surprisingly we do not take all the showers alotted to us. But with new people on the way, they are probably not used to my stink like everyone else here is. So here is a pre-shower look at the Blur:</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://pmcclure.com/south%20pole/october06/before.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://pmcclure.com/south%20pole/october06/before.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">This is me in my room before the shower and a trim job. Notice how straight my hair is. No humidity = no curl.<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://pmcclure.com/south%20pole/october06/after.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://pmcclure.com/south%20pole/october06/after.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">A shot afterward, the beard is under control although still protectively warm. The hair is curly when wet and about as long as it has ever been. I hope the new folks understand the efforts I am putting forth for them.</span>Blurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14906254456161624831noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9491917.post-1161376805564594532006-10-20T14:39:00.000-06:002006-10-20T14:40:06.370-06:00What does it take to feed the South Pole Station?<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:10;">Here is a summary of what was consumed this winter (February 21st) so far and what we plan to until Oct 20<sup>th</sup>.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:10;"><o:p> </o:p>What we ate/drank:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:10;"><o:p> </o:p><br />5428 pounds of Beef<o:p></o:p><br />22720 Eggs<o:p></o:p><br />1527 pounds of Fries<o:p></o:p><br />3948 pounds of Pork<o:p></o:p><br />2811 pounds of Poultry<o:p></o:p><br />2457 pounds of Seafood<o:p></o:p><br />82 case of Cold Cereal<o:p></o:p><br />1590 pounds of Cheese<o:p></o:p><br />1170 pounds of Butter<o:p></o:p><br />2638 pounds of Canned and Frozen Fruit <o:p></o:p><br />24300 slices of Pre-Made Bread<o:p></o:p><br />418 lbs of Meatless Protein (Tofu, Tempeh, TVP…)<o:p></o:p><br />39 gallons of Ketchup<o:p></o:p><br />11520 blue cups worth of Orange Juice (blue cup is 16oz)<o:p></o:p><br />8450 blue cups worth of Milk (blue cup is 16oz)<o:p></o:p><br />432 gallons of Ice Cream (after air is added by the ice cream machine)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:10;">What is your share:<o:p></o:p><br />Assuming everybody ate the same amount, which I know is not true.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:10;">84.81 pounds of Beef<o:p></o:p><br />355 Eggs<o:p></o:p><br />23.86 pounds of Fries<o:p></o:p><br />61.69 pounds of Pork<o:p></o:p><br />43.92 pounds of Poultry<o:p></o:p><br />38.39 pounds of Seafood<o:p></o:p><br />1.28 cases of Cold Cereal, so about 18-20lbs<o:p></o:p><br />24.84 pounds of Cheese<o:p></o:p><br />18.28 pounds of Butter<o:p></o:p><br />41.22 pounds of Fruit (This doesn’t count Freshies from beginning of winter)<o:p></o:p><br />380 slices of Pre-Made Bread<o:p></o:p><br />6.53 pounds of Meatless-Protein (But of course this number is much higher for those that eat it, since most don’t)<o:p></o:p><br />.6 gallons of Ketchup<o:p></o:p><br />180 blue cups of OJ<o:p></o:p><br />132 blue cups of milk<o:p></o:p><br />6.75 gallons of Ice Cream<o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Compiled. by Dan Von Bank </span></p>Blurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14906254456161624831noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9491917.post-1161199282435917512006-10-18T13:21:00.000-06:002006-10-18T13:21:22.746-06:00What They Don't put in the IT Recruiting Brochure.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://pmcclure.com/south%20pole/October06/Moving01.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://pmcclure.com/south%20pole/October06/Moving01.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">This is me dragging a couple of printers to the FEMC Jamesway. As sexy as the job title "System Administrator" is this is what it means at the South Pole.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://pmcclure.com/south%20pole/October06/Moving2.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://pmcclure.com/south%20pole/October06/Moving2.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">A reverse angle shot, that flat plain beyond me is the ice runway.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Thanks to <a href="http://nowhere-to-go-but-up.blogspot.com/">Neal Scheibe</a> for the help and pictures.</span>Blurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14906254456161624831noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9491917.post-1161129059182392392006-10-17T16:44:00.000-06:002006-10-17T17:50:59.610-06:00Very Busy<span style="font-family: arial;">Sorry to be so brief lately. First flight to Pole is in three days leaving a lot of work to get ready. Basically hauling out equipment to the outer buildings hat are warming up. The Heavy Equipment Operator has probably the worst job, grading the ice runway for 12 hours a day. So I can't complain too much. I'll post something interesting when I get caught up.</span>Blurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14906254456161624831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9491917.post-1160772724699816922006-10-13T14:14:00.000-06:002006-10-13T14:52:05.036-06:00Has Anyone Realized?<span style="font-family: arial;">That I will be spending my third straight Halloween here at the South Pole. Is that sad or what?</span>Blurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14906254456161624831noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9491917.post-1160683688041152572006-10-12T14:07:00.000-06:002006-10-12T14:08:08.303-06:00How to Panic a Research Station in One Email.<span style="font-family:arial;">How would you panic a station full of harden Antarctic workers? Send out this email:</span><br /><br /><p class="MsoPlainText">From: POL-Met<br />Sent: Thursday, October 12, 2006 5:49 PM<br />To: SPO-Winter06<br />Subject: Cold Etc... </p> <p class="MsoPlainText"><o:p></o:p>Since the rumor is growing at the rate of a degree a minute... <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoPlainText"><o:p></o:p>Yes, it is true, the 'warming' process here at the South Pole seems to be lagging a bit.<span style=""> </span>The reason for this can be attributed to two main factors:<span style=""> </span>The slow warming of the upper levels and the lack of storms.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoPlainText">UPPER LEVELS:<span style=""> </span>As you all know, when the wind blows, it warms up.<span style=""> </span>The main reason for this is the cold dense air at the surface mixing with warmer air aloft.<span style=""> </span>But how much warmer?<span style=""> </span>Well, today's surface temperature of -80F sits underneath a layer of warmer air (200 meters above us) that is at -30F. This is why the temperature increases when a nice breeze blows.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoPlainText">But the 'problem' resides in the fact that the overall temperatures in our atmosphere remains much colder in the parcel of air above the 'warmth'.<span style=""> </span>For example... At this time last year, our upper air flights at 10 millibars were reading temperatures of approximately +10F.<span style=""> </span>This year?<span style=""> </span>-70F.<span style=""> </span>You don't need a weatherman to explain the obvious difference in these two readings.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoPlainText">STORMS:<span style=""> </span>Where does most of our warm air come from?<span style=""> </span>Well, since we sit on a bright white plateau, the sun doesn't do a great job at warming us up as much of the sun's energy is reflected.<span style=""> </span>Therefore, we depend on warm air to come from other places i.e. spring storms.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoPlainText">Currently a ridge of high pressure sits off to our Grid North and this ridge is now diverting all the storms around us which means the warm air that comes in with these storms is also diverted around us.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoPlainText">Of course, none of this means that first flight won't make it in next week.<span style=""> </span>After all, South Pole MET consists of two goofy weather observers, not forecasters!<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoPlainText"><a href="http://jeffderosa.blogspot.com/">Jeff</a> <o:p></o:p></p>Blurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14906254456161624831noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9491917.post-1160428707833247592006-10-09T15:16:00.000-06:002006-10-09T15:18:28.186-06:00Webcam is UP!<span style="font-family: arial;">Thanks to </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.gregsfrontporch.com/">Greg Watson</a><span style="font-family: arial;">, the South Pole Webcam is up and running.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Check it out </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.usap.gov/videoclipsandmaps/spwebcam.cfm">here</a><span style="font-family: arial;">.</span>Blurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14906254456161624831noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9491917.post-1159831019905633522006-10-02T17:16:00.000-06:002006-10-02T17:23:41.046-06:00Another time waster...<span style="font-family:arial;">This was a pretty interesting site. Need to have Flash 8..</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.miniature-earth.com/"><span style="font-family:arial;">www.miniature-earth.com </span></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">What do you think?</span>Blurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14906254456161624831noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9491917.post-1159214202062898492006-09-28T13:25:00.000-06:002006-09-28T18:48:25.323-06:00The Last "Biggest Breakfast in Antarctica"<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 0);">Warning Lots of Pictures:</span><br />=====================<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><span style="font-family:arial;">As I have written before I help out with the monthly "Biggest Breakfast In Antarctica"<br />(BBIA). This is the last one <a href="http://www.cookingsouth.com/">Michael Rehm</a> and I will be doing, <span style="font-weight: bold;">ever!</span> I have really enjoyed working with Michael although giving up my one day off is a bit of a steep price to pay. I learned a lot but am not quite ready to leave the IT world for that of cooking. So without further adieu here are the pictures....<br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://pmcclure.com/south%20pole/Aug06/B.B.I.A.%20035.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://pmcclure.com/south%20pole/Aug06/B.B.I.A.%20035.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:78%;" >Taking an order.</span><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://pmcclure.com/south%20pole/Aug06/B.B.I.A.%20036.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://pmcclure.com/south%20pole/Aug06/B.B.I.A.%20036.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-family:arial;font-size:78%;" >You see Michael busy in the background.<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://pmcclure.com/south%20pole/Aug06/B.B.I.A.%20037.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://pmcclure.com/south%20pole/Aug06/B.B.I.A.%20037.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-family:arial;font-size:78%;" >A migas and blueberry pancake.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://pmcclure.com/south%20pole/Aug06/B.B.I.A.%20038.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://pmcclure.com/south%20pole/Aug06/B.B.I.A.%20038.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" ><span style="font-size:78%;">Michael under strain?</span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://pmcclure.com/south%20pole/Aug06/B.B.I.A.%20041.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://pmcclure.com/south%20pole/Aug06/B.B.I.A.%20041.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">A shot over the fruit bowls. We ran out of a lot of items this day.</span></span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://pmcclure.com/south%20pole/Aug06/B.B.I.A.%20039.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://pmcclure.com/south%20pole/Aug06/B.B.I.A.%20039.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Neal getting the door for me as I break out more champagne for mimosas.<br /></span></span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://pmcclure.com/south%20pole/Aug06/B.B.I.A.%20053.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://pmcclure.com/south%20pole/Aug06/B.B.I.A.%20053.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Phil Troska and Neal "helping."</span></span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://pmcclure.com/south%20pole/Aug06/B.B.I.A.%20060.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://pmcclure.com/south%20pole/Aug06/B.B.I.A.%20060.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">A cool picture of the glasses on the mimosa bar.</span></span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://pmcclure.com/south%20pole/Aug06/B.B.I.A.%20064.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://pmcclure.com/south%20pole/Aug06/B.B.I.A.%20064.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">One of Michaels cinnamon buns. He has shown me how to make these. That's right ladies, I'm a bachelor who knows how ot make cinnamon buns.</span></span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://pmcclure.com/south%20pole/Aug06/B.B.I.A.%20048.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://pmcclure.com/south%20pole/Aug06/B.B.I.A.%20048.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">I don't know what we are doing here but it must be important.</span></span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://pmcclure.com/south%20pole/Aug06/B.B.I.A.%20042.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://pmcclure.com/south%20pole/Aug06/B.B.I.A.%20042.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Only about 23 options to add to the eggs here.</span></span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://pmcclure.com/south%20pole/Aug06/B.B.I.A.%20046.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://pmcclure.com/south%20pole/Aug06/B.B.I.A.%20046.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-family:arial;font-size:78%;" >Bread Michael made.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://pmcclure.com/south%20pole/Aug06/B.B.I.A.%20043.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://pmcclure.com/south%20pole/Aug06/B.B.I.A.%20043.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">That's a lot of potatoes on the griddle.</span></span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://pmcclure.com/south%20pole/Aug06/B.B.I.A.%20044.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://pmcclure.com/south%20pole/Aug06/B.B.I.A.%20044.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-family:arial;font-size:78%;" >Taking an order...<br /></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://pmcclure.com/south%20pole/Aug06/B.B.I.A.%20047.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://pmcclure.com/south%20pole/Aug06/B.B.I.A.%20047.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Another shot of all the ingredients Michael has to work with.</span></span></span>Blurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14906254456161624831noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9491917.post-1159405890473424872006-09-27T19:09:00.000-06:002006-09-27T19:11:38.223-06:00How to get here...<span style="font-family: arial;">The best search in google to lead to my blog since I have been tracking:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;">smell vanilla+christchurch+sale<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">What the hell is that about?</span><span style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>Blurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14906254456161624831noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9491917.post-1159307888853247952006-09-26T15:56:00.000-06:002006-09-26T15:58:10.030-06:00This is what's known as filler...<div style="border: 1px solid rgb(51, 34, 0); margin: 25px 0pt 25px -200px; padding: 0pt 10px; position: relative; background-color: rgb(201, 179, 144); width: 400px; text-align: center; font-family: serif; left: 50%; color: rgb(51, 34, 0);"><br /> <div><br /> My pirate name is:<br /> </div><br /> <div style="font-size: 32px;"><br /> Dread Pirate Kidd </div><br /> <img src="http://www.piratequiz.com/flag.gif" style="top: 5px; position: relative; display: block; width: 100px; background-color: rgb(51, 34, 0);" /><br /> <div style="left: 110px; top: -60px; width: 290px; position: relative; text-align: justify;"><br /> Like the famous Dread Pirate Roberts, you have a keen head for how to make a profit. Even though you're not always the traditional swaggering gallant, your steadiness and planning make you a fine, reliable pirate. Arr!<br /> </div><br /> <a href="http://www.piratequiz.com/" style="position: absolute; width: 100%; left: 0px; bottom: 20px; color: rgb(248, 238, 204);">Get your own pirate name from piratequiz.com.</a><br />part of the fidius.org network<br /> </div>Blurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14906254456161624831noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9491917.post-1158705861897900852006-09-19T16:44:00.000-06:002006-09-19T16:44:26.543-06:00AHOY - Talk Like a Pirate Day<span style="font-family:arial;">Avast ye matey's... Another of the very popular days celebrated here - Talk Like a Pirate Day. You can read all you want to know <a href="http://talklikeapirate.com/">here</a>.</span>Blurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14906254456161624831noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9491917.post-1158622028787882852006-09-18T17:14:00.000-06:002006-09-18T17:29:05.496-06:00More Old Pictures<span style="font-family:arial;">So I am still clearing out my computers and here are a couple of pictures from the MET Wine and Cheese party in December? Who knows...<br /></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3491/693/1600/MET-Party.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3491/693/320/MET-Party.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">This is the back of the B2 Science Wing of the station. Like I have said a million times this is not a fashion show.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3491/693/1600/met-party2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3491/693/320/met-party2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Look how well my hands were manicured back then. I also don't look 50 years old. This place is brutal on your face and skin...</span>Blurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14906254456161624831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9491917.post-1158031918211886612006-09-11T21:25:00.000-06:002006-09-11T21:32:02.926-06:00Just what you always wanted...<span style="font-family:arial;">Here is possibly the greatest toy made today:<br /><br /></span> <table border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="6" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td class="prodsub" colspan="2" valign="top"><span class="prodheading"> <b> Matchbox CAT Famous Places </b></span><br /> <b>(South Pole Amundsen-Scott Station)<br /> by Mattel</b> </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="prodsub" valign="top"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><b><img src="http://www.filgifts.com/images/product/small/38160.jpg" border="0" height="230" width="230" /><br /> </b><u><img src="http://www.filgifts.com/images/eye.gif" border="0" /> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" ><a href="javascript:fullmode%28" 38160="">View Full Image</a><br /><br /><br /></span></u></span></td> <td class="product" valign="top">Build your own South Pole Amundsen-Scott Station with this South Pole, Antartica piece from Matchbox! Collect all six in this amazing Caterpillar Machine collection. Best for kids ages 3 and up.<br /><!--==ACCOUNT DETAILS OF PRODUCT===========================--> <table border="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr class="product"> <td width="30%"> <b>Product Price:</b> </td> <td width="40%"><br /></td> <td class="product" width="10%"> <b> <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:85%;" >$8.69 </span></b> </td> <td width="10%"><br /></td> </tr> <tr class="product"><td width="30%"><b>Shipping Cost:</b></td><td width="40%"><br /></td><td width="10%"><span class="product">$1.72</span></td><td width="10%"><br /></td></tr> </tbody></table><br /> <b><span style="color: rgb(168, 0, 0);"> Available for Philippine Delivery Only</span></b> </td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;">Note the authenicate looking jamesway on the box (nice job Matchbox) and the pink polar bears (um, not on this half of the planet). Here is <a href="http://www.filgifts.com/view.asp?xitem=Mat001.20">a link</a> in case you want to buy one and live in The Philipines.</span>Blurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14906254456161624831noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9491917.post-1157864329587142052006-09-09T22:45:00.000-06:002006-09-09T23:06:43.503-06:00Then and Now<span style="font-family:arial;">I have been playing with my webcam, streaming video and all that jazz. I took a picture of me now and boy do I look different than before I came here.<br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3491/693/1600/373608-R1-040-18A.0.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3491/693/320/373608-R1-040-18A.0.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-family:arial;">The above photo is in Creed, Colorado just before heading to the ice. I am a young good looking guy with the world by the tail.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3491/693/1600/Image001.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3491/693/320/Image001.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-family:arial;">Now look at me, crazy long beard, eyes that scream "I'm too tired to care anymore." This is not the guy you would have babysit your kids. This is after I took a shower, this is as fresh as I get. How did I age 10 years in 13 months? My beard is manly though. This looks like a prisoner who has been thrown in the "hole" for a month on one of those prison movies.<br /><br />On a second a geekier note, anyone out there use Google Talk? I want to test the video and audio on it. Send me an email if you have a couple of minutes to test this with me.<br /></span>Blurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14906254456161624831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9491917.post-1157664763040293752006-09-07T15:32:00.000-06:002006-09-07T15:35:09.693-06:00Fantasy Football<span style="font-family:arial;">I know everyone is dying to see who I picked up in the South Pole Fantasy Football draft. So a quick run down and light analysis. I picked 9th out 12 in a serpentine draft.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">RD1 - LaMont Jordan, RB Oakland.</span><br />He was rated #6 and the Art Shell running game should allow him to produce. Will not get goal line hand-offs (Zach Crockett will).<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">RD2 - Matt Hasselback, QB, Seattle</span><br />No stud RB's were left. Was a reach but to get the #3 QB in the league is nice.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">RD3 - Marvin Harrison, WR, Indy</span><br />Wanted an RB but again the board was bare. The #3 ranked WR in a three WR league = points for the Blur. I had a chance for Moss, hope this was the way to go.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">RD4 - Frank Gore, RB, SF</span><br />Best availible RB, will start and will bulk of carries with Barlow traded to NYJ.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">RD5 - Chris Chambers, WR, Miami</span><br />Miami has a legit QB this year so Chambers should haul in a few.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">RD6 - Andre Johnson, WR, Houston</span><br />My 3rd WR, it seems I started a run on WRs.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">RD7 - Kurt Warner, QB, Arizona</span><br />If I only had him 5 years ago. Maybe Arzona will win few this year, probably not.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">RD8 - Todd Heap, TE, Baltimore</span><br />I read the top 5 TE are good after that they are about the same. I got #4.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">RD9 - Ahman Green, RB, Green Bay</span><br />Like Warner, 5 years ago this guy was gold.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">RD10 - Baltimore Defense</span><br />The #3 defense is still there and I scoop them up, probably a round ealry.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">RD11 - Donte Stallworth, WR, Philadephlia</span><br />Hope he blossoms in Philly after not getting the ball in New Orleans.<br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">RD12 - Jeff Wilkins, K, St. Louis</span><br />The #3 kicker and he kicks in a Dome 50% of the time. Love it.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">RD13 - Wali Lundy, RB, Houston</span><br />A flyer, with D. Davis out the Kubiak bringing in the zone blocking maybe this guy is Terrel Davis waiting to happen. Will be starter on opening day, hate that Ron Dayne is now there.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">RD14 - Ashley Lelie, WR, Atlanta</span><br />My pick here was Brandon Stokley but was picked just before. So with little time left I went this sucker. Will probably work his way into the starting lineup before long.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">RD15 - Chris Simms, QB, Tampa Bay</span><br />Went for value here, no starting RB's or WR's left, besides a couple of fullback types. Took a starter, many teams went with just two QB's. Hope Simms or Warner will produce enough to package with a WR to get a better 2nd RB.<br /><br />I am not a huge football geek but if I am going to play, I am going to play to win. Being down here you don't get ESPN or anything so it can be hard to get a vibe on teams and players. I will update my standings when I get a chance. Now if we were playing fantasy hockey, look out.<br /><br /></span>Blurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14906254456161624831noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9491917.post-1157060660885038052006-08-31T15:43:00.000-06:002006-08-31T15:58:57.380-06:00Going back to January<span style="font-family:arial;">A couple of pictures from the New Years party I found. Nine months ago today...<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3491/693/1600/PMandBobbyD-NewYears.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3491/693/320/PMandBobbyD-NewYears.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Me and Bobby DeValentino. Bobby is going to Palmer Station last I heard. The only (American) posting in Antarctica I have not done.</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> Will that change?</span><br /></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3491/693/1600/ChrisWilson.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3491/693/320/ChrisWilson.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Lots of people here, Behind me left is Suzy Williams (she is still here), with camera is Chris Wilson who is coming back from Denver, the couch is Christine and Dan. Dan works in China now for the embassy.</span><br /></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3491/693/1600/Tonya-NewYears.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3491/693/320/Tonya-NewYears.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-family:arial;">This is Tonya, although you might think I put her here for eye-candy (which is true in its own right), if look behind her you can see the "cage" we use for dancing. The stage for the bands is behind left. When Polies throw a party there is no doubt that good times are coming.<br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3491/693/1600/TonyaPMandGuyT-NewYears.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3491/693/320/TonyaPMandGuyT-NewYears.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Here is Tonya, myself and Guy Thomerson. If you look in Tonya's hand you can see why we look so funny, that's right - <a style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" href="http://www.itequila.org/">TEQUILA</a> had happened just before. I think we were celebrating some timezone in Eastern Europe in this shot (South Pole touches all timezones). Guy is still here with me, we drink Scotch or Irish whiskey together on occasion. Guy's beard is a much bigger event now then nine months ago.<br /><br /><br /></span></div></div>Blurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14906254456161624831noreply@blogger.com3