Palmer photos and the boat ride to get here~
This was the sunset on my first official night at Palmer Station. I was amazed! Of course, it has not been that good since, but hey, I got it on film!
This is Palmer Station. In its entirety. It's quite small, but luckily we can take boats out in order to get away and save our sanity if necessary. I live on the top floor of the tall building coming out of the middle there. My window is just barely visible in the picture, but you can imagine the view I have.
Saw quite a few humpback whales on the boat ride over. I did not see Cape Horn, but we passed about 60 miles or so from it, so I can say that I've at least been by.
I'm not sure if this whale was showing off for us or what, but that is it upside down just under the surface. Trip!
These are Commerson's Dolphins. These little guys accompanied us coming out of the straits of Magellan.
My first day off and I worked for part of the day. But for sunset, I hiked with a group up to the top of the glacier that is behind the station. It is overcast here much of the time, so to go on a sunny day was genius!
Group shot from the top of the glacier. Modeling with a Chilean beer. I think that's Mt. William in the background.
My official title is plumber helper, however I lucked out and am working with a welder, Super Dave. This is us at one of our easier stages of installing a fuel line.
My roommate Randi (right). We wintered together at Pole last winter, and she rocks, so I really lucked out!
Saw this whale on my first day out in the Zodiacs. Not too far from our little boat. That was awesome!
Proof of how perfect those little things really are!
This was my second penguin sighting. They are kind of comical to watch. My first penguin sighting was of one little guy who was either sleeping or not doing too good, because it never moved.!
There is a tradition around here that when the boat leaves the station, people jump into the water. I have done it once and do not plan to do it again. So cold, and the mouthful of saltwater does not help. Nor does shoving iceberg bits out of the way to get to that damn ladder.