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.