Preparing for Winfly, Ice Cream and Antarctic Awards Ceremony and a Delay in Viewing the First Sunrise

The penguin Olympics have started.

The sky from the ice shelf. Photo credit to Fleet Ops.

Ivan the Terra Bus preparing for next weeks travel to and from the runway.

Ivan parked in front of my dorm.

McMurdoites (or McWeirdoites) having fun Part 2.

My friend Matt had a birthday and he invited six of his friends to the Crary Lab for a very special treat - nitrogen ice cream. I had never seen this made before so it was certainly a different way to make it. A mixture is made of milk, cream, chocolate syrup, and sugar. Then liquid nitrogen is introduced to freeze the mixture. It really tasted good.

Crary Lab Zen Garden.

Liquid Nitrogen

Ice cream mixture.

Adding liquid nitrogen to the mixture and stirring.

Very tasty.

The final product.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAjj3eKaA20&list=PL1EE5BA217494D185&feature=plpp_play_all

A YouTube link showing the process.

McMurdo Station's Antarctic Award Ceremony

History of the Antarctic Service Medal

The Antarctic Service Medal (ASM) was established by the 86^th Congress on July 12, 1961 to commemorate polar service.  The medal is awarded to any member of the United States Armed Forces, any U.S. citizen, or any resident alien of the United States who has served on the Antarctic continent or in its contiguous waters for a minimum of 30 days.

The ASM has been presented to qualifying participants beginning with the members of United States Navy Operation “Highjump” under late Rear Admiral Richard Byrd beginning January 2, 1946.

The medal was designed by Rawson K. Moore and sculpted by Thomas Hudson Jones, both of the institute of Heraldry.  The design received final approval in 1963.

Antarctic Service Medal Symbolism

Obverse Side

In the center of the bronze medallion, there is a view of a polar landscape on which stands a man in Antarctic clothing.  The word “Antarctica” is to the left of the man and the word “Service” is to his right.

The man is standing erect, his eyes on the far horizon.  He is standing with his feet in an attitude of stability and determination.  His arms are extended and his hands are closed.  The attributes of courage, devotion, and honor are represented by his demeanor.  Those qualities best exemplify the traditions of Antarctic service.

The uniform is based on the one worn by Admiral J. Dufek who led an advance party in 1956 to build the first permanent station at the South Pole.  The hood is thrown back suggesting readiness for instant action.  The vast empty regions of the polar landscape are conveyed by the distant mountains.  The modern bold letters emphasize the aggressiveness of the scientific aspects of these expeditions.

Reverse Side

In the center of the medallion, the continent of Antarctica is shown from a polar projection with geodesic lines.  Across the continent are the words, Courage, Strength, and Devotion, which reflect the high standards of the men and women assigned to the expeditions.

A decorative motif of penguins and marine life comprises the border, symbolizing the marine life of the area.  The border forms a complete circle, alluding to the unity and teamwork necessary to ensure success of the expeditions and also refers to the thoroughness of scientific endeavors.

Ribbon

The outer black and dark blue bands make up five-twelfths of the ribbon and represent the five months of total darkness.  The graded center comprising seven-twelfths of the ribbon represents the seven months of light and the Aurora Austalis.

Devices

People who remain on the continent during the winter months are awarded “Wintered Over” clasps.  A bronze clasp indicates one winter; a gold clasp indicates two winters; and a silver clasp signifies three of more winters.

We received our Antarctic Service Medals.

For our first sunrise (yesterday, August 19th) Antarctica decided to show another one of her alluring attributes. Good or bad Antarctic storms are just as beautiful as a clear starry aurora filled sky. At first it is the sound of the wind pounding on the wall letting you know she was showing her harsh side. When the building starts shaking I smile knowing that we are in for the long haul. This started last Saturday evening and is continuing to build. We are now in condition 2. The walks outside are treacherous and demanding and requires full extreme weather gear. Our viewing of the sunrise will wait for another day.

Today is the first Winfly flight. Just as during a space shuttle final countdown beginning in poor weather when most people say "No way, it will never launch in this weather" so goes the first C-17 flight that departed Christchurch 2 hours ago. It will probably boomerang (the expression given to an incoming flight that turns around and heads back to Christchurch due to poor weather in Antarctica). But that happens frequently and if there is anything I have learned here is patience. In Antarctica nothing can be rushed and changes are the norm. 

Several months ago I flexed my work schedule and started working out with the firemen in the gym at 9:30 each morning. It was brutal but fun and continues to be. Several of them are leaving this week. I was presented with their official polo shirt. How cool is that! In my next life maybe I'll be one.