Sunday, January 29, 2006

a little warning


skuas are actually fairly aggressive birds, so once you get a little warning it's best to take heed. Usually they have a pretty good reason, like me almost stepping on their nest. Posted by Picasa

skua family

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skua, McMurdo Sound and mountains

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two skuas

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on my way to work...not a bad commute!

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Day at the lake

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Thursday, January 26, 2006

A fine day out


Morning had all the promises of a productive day out in the field, until we got the call from MacOps (McMurdo Operations) that we were on the schedule for two groups of DVs (Distinguished Visitors). But not just any DVs (which can take the form of USGS or NSF reps or even National Geo folks) but US Congressmen, including Senator McCain. So in preparation I quick slapped on some stick, brushed my teeth and ...oh who am I kidding...I made another cup of coffee and resigned myself to not doing a damn thing that day. Once we heard the helos approaching we migrated from our tents and went down to the landing area to meet/greet our very own group of DVs. Excited for the chance to meet McCain, I grabbed my camera and went to the helo pad accompanied by a bit of excitment. After arrival a few things became clear (1) they were on a tight schedule and were going to fly pretty much all over Ross Island, McMurdo Sound and the Dry Valleys that day (2) they had no idea what was going on and (3) they were ushered around by a few guys w/o nametags (which almost everyone wears around here) which meant little or no time for a photo opp. So, in the end I was left with only a few pics of Sen. McCain and precious memories of some of the best/silliest/ill-conceived questions I've ever been asked. I'll share just two of my favorites. For anyone who has seen my pics of Cape Royds from last year (and don't worry I'll put up some from this year soon), a feature as prominent as the penguins is all of Shackelton's crap lying about. Rusted tin cans, old socks and most notably pieces of broken glass everywhere. So I thought it pretty halarious when a group of junior reps were asking us about our project on the Cape asked me "So, is this all your glass?" I sorta let out a chuckle, trying not to be too petulant, when another scientist-type out there with our field-party said to him, "You're joking, right?". The thing is, I'm certain that he really did want to know why we were breaking our bottles of label-less booze all over the place. The second, was when one of these jr. reps asked if he could check out our camp. I was pretty surprised by that simple request, given the senic beauty of the place, the historic 1907-1909 Hut and all the penguins, but if this guy wants to see my tent, a bunch of U-barrels and our Hutson Throne, sure I'll take him up. So I show him..."Here's where we sleep, Here's where we pee, and Here's where we cook and hang-out". His only question was inside the cook tent. He points to our 2-burner Coleman propane stove and says "Isn't this a fire hazard?" "Only when we turn it upside down to broil our salmon steaks", I replied. Yup, I just couldn't resist. dumbass. Posted by Picasa

Ummm, what time is it?


The DVs came in two waves, one in the morning (including Senator McCain) and a second in the afternoon. Although my time with McCain was limited to a few minutes outside of Shackelton's hut and no chance for a photo of myself with the senator, it occured to me that the only 'proof' that I was on Cape Royds at the same time would be to get a picture of the signature book from Shack's hut. So I went into the hut with the afternoon group and decided to get a picture of the book as we were exiting the hut, when I noticed two things. First, why not put your home town in preference for USHouse or USCongress?. Like when, making small talk, I asked this one Rep "So, where are you from?" and he replied "Washington". Giving him the benefit of the doubt I then said, "Around the Seattle area?" to which he replied: "No, D.C.". So I looked him in the eye and said "So, where are you from?" to which he replied: "Outside of Chicago".

And secondly, and much more revealing, is that two of the Congressmen clearly had no idea what time it was... (or perhaps how to translate from when the big hand is almost to the 6 and the little hand is just after the 1 to 24-hour time). So, if anyone tells you that congressmen don't know the time of day, here's the proof - in their own handwriting no less. Posted by Picasa

Sunday, January 22, 2006

A little overboard


So, I think I probably went a little overboard with all the penguin pics this evening, but I really couldn't help myself. Besides, it's still a small fraction of all the penguin pics I've taken over the past few weeks, so all in all, I did pretty good. Besides most of the folks I've heard from are more interested in the cute penguin pics than most other stuff, so I thought it best to post these first. Stay tuned for the interesting story of the day John McCain stopped by camp. no kidding.

peace, drock Posted by Picasa

attack of the 50ft penguin

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mmmmm rocks.


this little guy followed me around for a while, I think trying to share his rock with me. I wasn't having any of it. I can find my own rocks, thank you very much. Posted by Picasa

Someone has something to say

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Say Cheese

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Face off

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posing for the camera(1)

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posing for the camera(2)

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The Infamous Headless Penguin

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lookin' pretty cozy under there

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check out my flippers

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Scratchin' it up


I think Gibson does this exact same thing! Oh, who am I kidding...I probably would too if I could touch my foot to the back of my head Posted by Picasa

How 'bout a nice cool drink?

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gettin' a little excited

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checkin' me out

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High Steppin'

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cute!


This pic was taken only a few days into the trip. You can really see how quickly they fatten up! Posted by Picasa