Observations

My Grandfather always told me how important being observant is. Turns out, in Antarctica it is beneficial as well! Thanks Grandpa Cook.

So at McMurdo, there are two features bearing that famous trait for a name. There is Observation Hill and the Observation Tube. OB Hill is a short, steep, yet slightly tricky climb with the snow and ice just outside of town. The view from the top is absolutely breathtaking. The OB Tube is the cool little tube (believe it or not) with a viewing chamber on the end, that they stuck down through the sea ice. I was lucky enough to see to see a seal while I was down there! I wasn't able see much else besides little fish. It was awesome to hear the seal talking to each other too. I captured a few photos of each for your viewing pleasure!

Observations have also been paying off at work for me. This job is completely new to me and I have been learning so much from everyone around me. I am loving my new job. I get to put together larger than life puzzles and play with heavy equipment. Perfect.

Giant puzzles in the cargo bay.

Brenda, one of the Delta's we use to haul cargo.

A few of the other toys!

The Pickle!!!

The view from my office.

Even the most primitive creature down here has learned through observation. The Skua have learned that people carrying blue trays have food! They will dive bomb and attack anyone with a blue tray from our dinning galley. They are fearless and crafty in their ways. People describe them as a mix between a pigeon and a vulture. I hope I avoid this, if not, it is sure to be a good story. Haha

 

A couple random photos.

Haha