Work, the Southern Cross, another party, and a yacht club meeting

It was a very busy Saturday and Sunday. Saturday was spent in the cold radome of the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) coordinating troubleshooting of the 4 meter antenna with Raytheon. I recorded a short video of this antenna.

JPSS 4 meter dish antenna

The golf ball to the left is NASA's 10 meter radome and the one to the right is a second JPSS 4 meter radome.

Sunrise over Mt. Erebus.

JPSS 4 meter dish antenna being installed in Antarctica.

JPSS 4 meter radome with Observation Hill to the right.

NASA's 10 meter antenna

After work and dinner we went to a "Death and Taxes" party. On the way to the party a friend had his phone out with a star gazing application running. We saw the Southern Cross directly overhead. That was cool!

This looks like a fun place with snowmobiles on the right...

on the left...

Personal Protection Equipment...

and beer!

One of several bands.

A short band video.

April 14th Death and Taxes party.

My Kiwi friend Andrew.

The Kiwi's and two Americans having fun. The other seven Kiwi's are on fire watch at Scott Base. Only half are allowed to leave at one time.

The Ross Island Yacht Club of Antarctica Burgee Story

An Argentinean Naval Ensign gave birth to our Burgee,
the background color reflecting both the Nautical
Heritage and proximal nation to our beloved Continent.

The White representing the Ice symbolizes Purity of
both the waters we sail and the hearts of those who
sail them.

The Blue represents the Sky and symbolizes the valor
inherent in all who boat recreationally below the
convergence.

The Silhouette depicts one of the earliest Yachting
Endeavors honoring Shackleton's efforts to reach those
converted waters around Ross Island. He stands apart
from his men to remind us of the many that must
struggle so that we may sail.

Over their shoulders rise the Southern Sun gloriously
illuminating our letters for the entire world to see.
Those letters are cut from the same cloth as the
Silhouette of Shackleton – Namely the cloth of a
Scott Tent. For all foolish endeavors must acknowledge
the foolishness that has preceded them.

Above it all, soars the Antarctic Skua, inspiring us
towards freedom found in the South and a free meal
wherever it may be found.

The Bloodshot Red Bowsprit should always point due
South or the direction of the nearest pub, reflecting
our directional desires on earth and on the Wheel of
Life.

At noon on Sunday the Ross Island Yacht Club of Antarctica met for an afternoon of finger foods, pizza, and viewing of the first two DVDs from projectbluesphere.com - sailing around the world on a 28 foot boat. That was followed by a video on coastal navigation.

After dinner it was the McMurdo Science Theater 3000 (so bad they are good movies) viewing of Showgirls. My weekend ended at the Coffee House bar for hot Chocolate then bed at 10pm. 

It is a very pleasant -2.2 degrees this Monday morning with no wind.