Update...

Sorry it has been so long since I last wrote, but I have been really busy here. Unfortunately, we have not launched any balloons yet - the weather is not cooperating. In order to launch we need surface winds and low level winds to be under 5 mph, and that just hasn't been happening here in the last week. We have tried 4 days now to launch the ULDB test balloon, but each of these days it has turned out to be too windy. We are now switching gears somewhat and we are going to have our first launch attempt of the CREAM payload tomorrow. The CREAM payload and balloon can withstand a little more wind during launch, so hopefully we will have better luck in getting this one off.

It has been a very long and tiring week, so I have not had a lot of time to do much outside of work, but I did get an opportunity this past weekend to walk out to the end of Hut Point Peninsula. This area is only about a 3/4 mile walk from McMurdo. At the end of the peninsula is Discovery Hut. This hut was built in 1902 during one of the first expeditions to Antarctica, and is still in remarkably good condition. Much of the inside and outside is exactly how it was left 106 years ago. There are even still the mummified remains of a seal that was killed in 1902 for heat and food. The body is incredibly well preserved because of the very dry and very cold weather. Below are a few pictures from this trip. I will keep everyone updated with everything going on at work.

Discovery Hut with Ob Hill and McMurdo Station in the background

A memorial cross at the end of the peninsula. All of the men who came and built the hut eventually died trying to reach the South Pole.

A couple of Weddell seals hanging out on the sea ice. They just lay there and do nothing - not very exciting to watch.