Boom!

Of course, my batteries run out on my camera when I get the chance to catch the blasters at work. They are blasting out the bollards (the anchors for the tie-downs for the boats) on the ice runway. I heard that the first couple were pretty spectacular. Anyways, one was scheduled for today, and I went out to go watch. The weather went con 2, so I couldn't see a whole lot, but I heard the boom and saw a puff of yellow stuff float up. It wasn't spectacular, but it was entertaining nonetheless.

Lack of Photos

Unfortunately, I haven't seen anything that I didn't see last season, so I have a dearth of pictures. Hopefully, I'll run into something new as the season progresses. The days are getting longer now, so I think my shot at Southern Lights has passed. If I want to see any, I think I'll need to winter, but I don't see that happening.

Wait. What?

Coldest day in MacTown, yet. My teeth hurt when I smile outside. I had to break out my Carhartt bibs.

Earthquakes

New Zealand is still seeing aftershocks from the big 7.5 earthquake earlier in the week. Thus far, there have been no casualties, and I pray that it stays that way. Our people in the CDC have reported that they are safe, which is very good news.

Privacy

This season is a totally different experience from last season. I actually have some semblance of privacy, and I know where I'm going. The crazy thing is that I will be the only returning Computer Tech when the Winter over leaves. That means that I'll be the one with the most on-Ice experience, and I've only had one other season. That said, IT work is the same the world over, so there aren't really any surprises. I'm feeling a lot less social this season, but that might just be the Winter overs rubbing off on me. I feel much more comfortable this season, but less excited about being here. I think I'm really looking forward to my travels in Japan and Korea.

Ready to Roll!

I did my snow school refresher and Dry Valleys training yesterday, so I am ready to go to a field camp if necessary. I'm excited, but I am not sure I'll luck out two seasons in a row. Who knows, though.... This is supposed to be the busiest season ever in terms of Science projects and grantees coming through. The NSF is also opening up new field camps around the continent and even close to base.