Heading South for the Winter...

[Snowman]

Thought I would mention that my deployment date to the South Pole Station is the 10th of November. I will be working as the Lead Designer for the station, working on the engineering as-builts for the construction going on down there. :cold:

My current off Ice date is the 31th of January and I hope to spend some time off in New Zealand after. :bananna:

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/293471_10150448791990278_579120277_10872917_202218 7225_n.jpg

I'll keep you guys up to date as things happen.

Facebook Album: Antarctic Exploration 2011-2012 (http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150448774615278.449374.579120277&type=1&l=c59e25f6a4)

[Devaclis]

Ride pics or it didn't happen!!!

[Snowman]

I'll see what I can do...

But for some reason they won't let me around snowmobiles by myself...

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/155187_10150140625965278_579120277_7947167_1033966 _n.jpg

[Sean]

Do you guys chuckle every time you go to Uranus Glacier?

[tecknojoe]

Woa, Vinson Massif is 16k ft? I had no idea there was that kind of elevation out there.

[Snowman]

South Pole Station sits on 2 miles of ice at 9300' moving about an 1" a day towards south america. The air is so cold is lowers the air pressure to something like at 11,000'.

And we laugh harder when the piss buckets freeze and form towers of yellow ice...

[tecknojoe]

also, how do u get such a crazy job?

[Devaclis]

When he was released from the psych ward they offered him tenure.

[Snowman]

When he was released from the psych ward they offered him tenure.Released?

The offices for Raytheon Polar Services are in Centennial. They are the current contractor to run all aspect of the US station in Antarctica. Most of the workers down there are contracted through here, everything from Administrators to Dishwashers.

[Ghost]

The offices for Raytheon Polar Services are in Centennial. They are the current contractor to run all aspect of the US station in Antarctica. Most of the workers down there are contracted through here, everything from Administrators to Dishwashers.

Dude, I want a job down there...that's just too awesome...really the last of the wild frontier...unless we start exploring the ocean depths...

[salsashark]

Definitely want to see pics of that New Zealand trip!

[Snowman]

Raytheon Jobs (http://www.rayjobs.com/index.cfm?NavID=103) > Search openings > Work Locations [CO - Centennial]

I have pictures from my last time in New Zealand on my Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150158308525278.349520.579120277&type=1&l=1524a00d6e) page...

[Ghost]

Raytheon Jobs (http://www.rayjobs.com/index.cfm?NavID=103) > Search openings > Work Locations [CO - Centennial]

I have pictures from my last time in New Zealand on my Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150158308525278.349520.579120277&type=1&l=1524a00d6e) page...

Yeah, I was just poking around there, unfortunately not seeing anything my degree and/or background would let me apply to...I've got a resume on file with them, but never been contacted.

NZ would be awesome, wanted to go there but ended up in Japan instead (which was equally good I suppose).

[Dr. Joe Siphek]

have a great/safe trip down there snow...post many pics fur us posers here! mmmkay!

[Devaclis]

Randall, do you still have those pics of the shelters with snow coming in through the windows? That was some really crazy stuff.

[Ghost]

Randall, do you still have those pics of the shelters with snow coming in through the windows? That was some really crazy stuff.

Or better yet, pics of when the dog turned into The Thing?

[Snowman]

Randall, do you still have those pics of the shelters with snow coming in through the windows? That was some really crazy stuff.

I have this one...

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/46817_490189960277_579120277_6863954_1418825_n.jpg

and this one...

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/47807_490189895277_579120277_6863949_7809416_n.jpg

But you might be referring to that McMurdo storm that blew in a wall and filled the rec room full of snow...

[Devaclis]

Yepper

[grim]

Yeah, I was just poking around there, unfortunately not seeing anything my degree and/or background would let me apply to...I've got a resume on file with them, but never been contacted.

NZ would be awesome, wanted to go there but ended up in Japan instead (which was equally good I suppose).

As do I

[dragos13]

That is awesome. I applied for the Firefighter temp position a couple months ago but didn't have the needed qualifications. That would have been a crazy experience. Have fun down there and definitely keep us posted with pics!

[Ghost]

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/46817_490189960277_579120277_6863954_1418825_n.jpg



"Imperial troops have entered the base!"

[Ghost]

As do I

If we ever get to go will you bring the cookies?

[Snowman]

"Imperial troops have entered the base!"

Same hall with the lights out. Can almost see the creature turning into the dog at the end of the hall...

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/46817_490189955277_579120277_6863953_3381253_n.jpg

[UglyDogRacing]

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xgDJUWDazQg/TLtjdoWzTII/AAAAAAAABpE/IJz_ESm0lVo/s1600/the-thing-dog-monster.jpg

[grim]

If we ever get to go will you bring the cookies?

Yes i will!!!!!!!!!

[CYCLE_MONKEY]

Have a safe trip there and back, and I hope you get to do another tour of NZ!

[Snowman]

Thanks. Currently looking into that. After the earthquake leveling Christchurch it might be a trip around the north island.

[CYCLE_MONKEY]

Thanks. Currently looking into that. After the earthquake leveling Christchurch it might be a trip around the north island.

Ouch! Forgot about that. But.....you might get a trip on some NEW roads. :)

[Snowman]

At some point these people should agree on something.

Polar icebreaker dispute ties up Coast Guard bill (http://www.cnn.com/2011/11/03/politics/congress-polar-icebreakers/)

[Snowman]

Made it into Christchurch after 6 hours in airports and 16 hours on planes. Today I get suited with all my gear and tomorrow morning hopping a C-17 to McMurdo Station.

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/381742_10150531354865278_579120277_11366201_793206 851_n.jpg Auckland, New Zealand

[Snowman]

The International Antarctic Centre

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/377739_10150533324115278_579120277_11375206_181703 8502_n.jpg

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/301593_10150533324335278_579120277_11375209_199849 4526_n.jpg

[Snowman]

Well after 5 days, 16 hours in the air, and about 10,000 miles I finally made it here.
Photo Album (ttp://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150448774615278.449374.579120277&type=1&l=c59e25f6a4)

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/385321_10150537989280278_579120277_11397719_838545 756_n.jpg
Mt Erebus Volcano

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/381887_10150537990505278_579120277_11397725_541942 656_n.jpg
Skiway South Pole Station

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/381887_10150537990495278_579120277_11397724_426220 809_n.jpg
Elevated Station, South Pole

[vort3xr6]

So awesome! Might be a dumb question but wtf time zone is it down there?

[Snowman]

It's tomorrow -5 hours (Current time is 6:55pm Tuesday)

[stubbicatt]

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xgDJUWDazQg/TLtjdoWzTII/AAAAAAAABpE/IJz_ESm0lVo/s1600/the-thing-dog-monster.jpg
Damn that's one ugly kitteh.

[Snowman]

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/315549_10150539645320278_579120277_11402791_796443 077_n.jpg

[derekm]

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xgDJUWDazQg/TLtjdoWzTII/AAAAAAAABpE/IJz_ESm0lVo/s1600/the-thing-dog-monster.jpg
yup!

[JohnEffinK]

Soooo very cool. I am heading to a job in the Dominican Republic for the winter but would seriously like Antarctic. Hell, after my motorcycle trip to AK and Arctic Circle this past summer, I am even considering trying to get a job in the oil fields up in Prudhoe Bay/Deadhorse.

John

[bornwildnfree]

Well, have an awesome time Snowman! We'll miss you here.

[FZRguy]

Cool, stay warm...if you can.

[Snowman]

It was a brisk -40°F with a windchill of -60°F, so I went for a walk with all my gear. I ended up taking allot of it off because its that good. Keeping warm isn't a problem...

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/375813_10150541647555278_579120277_11407892_161222 9067_n.jpg

[grim]

^^^ That is pure awesome, I envy your job

[UglyDogRacing]

It was a brisk -40°F with a windchill of -60°F, so I went for a walk with all my gear. I ended up taking allot of it off because its that good. Keeping warm isn't a problem...




Did you find this yet?

http://cdn.hometheaterforum.com/7/72/72f455ea_TheThing1982.jpg

[CYCLE_MONKEY]

That's SO, like, 27 seconds ago. Randall was assimilated by The Thing long before I met him......:lol:

Did anyone else but us really old guys ever see the first B&W version (no, not the one with Kurt Russell in it, though that one rocked)?

[Snowman]

Jim... We, as designated representatives of the United States of America, can nether confirm or denie any possible contact with anything of any nature.

and Frank, just because I voted for Obama doesn't make me a mutating alien hybrid...

[CYCLE_MONKEY]

Jim... We, as designated representatives of the United States of America, can nether confirm or denie any possible contact with anything of any nature.

and Frank, just because I voted for Obama doesn't make me a mutating alien hybrid...
I know......you were a mutating alien hybrid long before he was elected.....:lol: :)

[Snowman]

When you are dealing with hostile environments some sacrifices have to be made...

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/379760_10150552616630278_579120277_11450324_133584 9340_n.jpg

[Ninja2]

Thank you for sharing pictures and information from the South Pole. Hope all is well.
How much is the booze where you are? I recall a friend of mine going to the very north of Alaska, and everything was ridiculously expensive.
And how are you going to spend Thanksgiving?

[UglyDogRacing]

When you are dealing with hostile environments some sacrifices have to be made...

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/379760_10150552616630278_579120277_11450324_133584 9340_n.jpg


Is that the same for the mutating alien hybrids?

[Ninja2]

Is that the same for the mutating alien hybrids?

Hopefully, they are not using the mutating alien hybrids to brew up that stuff. LOL

[Snowman]

Thank you for sharing pictures and information from the South Pole. Hope all is well.
How much is the booze where you are? I recall a friend of mine going to the very north of Alaska, and everything was ridiculously expensive.
And how are you going to spend Thanksgiving?All the prices are regulated so it's the same cost as the average price back in the states. Though it's does add allot to get it here. A $3.00 gallon of gasoline cost $22.50 buy the time we get it here for instance.

As for Thanksgiving, we have some of the best chefs in the continent. So they put out a really good spread. Although we won't have Thanksgiving until Saturday so we can have a two day weekend.

and we typically don't drink after the mutating alien hybrids do...

[UglyDogRacing]

All the prices are regulated so it's the same cost as the average price back in the states. Though it's does add allot to get it here. A $3.00 gallon of gasoline cost $22.50 buy the time we get it here for instance.

As for Thanksgiving, we have some of the best chefs in the continent. So they put out a really good spread. Although we won't have Thanksgiving until Saturday so we can have a two day weekend.

and we typically don't drink after the mutating alien hybrids do...

what about the runaway alien heads?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TevQS4qgE_Q

[Snowman]

Is this more like it?

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/379760_10150552616620278_579120277_11450322_182361 009_n.jpg

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/379760_10150552616615278_579120277_11450321_162899 278_n.jpg

[Wrider]

As for Thanksgiving, we have some of the best chefs in the continent. So they put out a really good spread. Although we won't have Thanksgiving until Saturday so we can have a two day weekend.

The best chefs on the continent isn't saying much when there are that few people on it... haha

[Snowman]

Got to take the title where ever you can. Looks good on a resume'.

[Snowman]

And here the radio telescope is were we talk with the aliens, or ah look at the stars...

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/312593_10150557370140278_579120277_11463326_105581 0270_n.jpg

[Ninja2]

Wow. The sky and ice looks amazing! Having the person stand there also puts the size of the alien communication tool into perspective.
We are having mid to upper 60s in CO today and tomorrow. I assume some of us might be out riding or enjoying the nice weather in any way possible.

[Snowman]

Don't say that Rabea, I'm going through enough rider withdrawal as it is. Now I might have to go steal a snowmobile, but you can't drag your knee properly with one.

The reason the ski is that color is the lack of pollution down here. The ice is also very clean (were we humans haven't spilled anything on it) I can't imagine what the mountains in Colorado looked like 100 years ago be we filled the sky with smog. But even down here the instruments can pickup car exhaust from half a planet away.

[Ninja2]

Well, in case it makes you feel any better, I got "stuck" with co-workers for happy hour :-) and won't ride tomorrow either cause my leathers are getting cleaned, so I can finally get rid of my signature. And don't wanna ride in the mountains without them; not that I'm dragging knee or even close to it.
Riding around town sucks these days - there are a ton of crazy drivers out there rushing around in cars, I noticed. I think it has to do with Thanksgiving and trying to get all the shopping done.
Snowmobiling at the South Pole sounds like a lot of fun! Enjoy.

[Snowman]

Happy hour with coworkers sounds hideous, I don't envy you. (right)

I know I like the smell of clean leather, it makes riding even that more enjoyable, though not sure why someone would signed them. Something you did that shouldn't have happened?

[Snowman]

This is the closest I'll come to night time in the next 10 weeks.
http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/378950_10150564695560278_579120277_11486583_764989 523_n.jpg

[King Nothing]

Subscribed!

[Snowman]

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/317257_10150555389240278_579120277_11458786_167003 5744_n.jpg
Elevated Station and Ceremonial Pole Marker


http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/378950_10150564695575278_579120277_11486584_163157 4035_n.jpg Ice Crystals in the air creating this optical effect during the storm.

[Snowman]

Facebook Album (http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150448774615278.449374.579120277&type=1&l=c59e25f6a4)

Rush Hour...
http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/386136_10150605554830278_579120277_11612789_121969 8383_n.jpg

One of our warmer days...
http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/386136_10150605554860278_579120277_11612792_972479 625_n.jpg

That's right, we are now the worlds most southern place to get your local shot glasses and t-shirts...
http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/375267_10150605560850278_579120277_11612810_210199 5693_n.jpg

[asp_125]

...
That's right, we are now the worlds most southern place to get your local shot glasses and t-shirts...

Can I get a snow globe?

[Snowman]

Just trying to make my friends in Denver feel a little better about the amount of snow removal they had to do this morning...

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/375863_10150557705770278_579120277_11464807_136815 8097_n.jpg
Mt Groom
(This was just one of the hills created when removing built up drifting snow from the past winter. Given that we only get 3" snow a year.)

[Ghost]

Is that truck made by the same folks that did the one (two, actually if you count the crew vehicle) for TopGear's Arctic Special?

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/386136_10150605554830278_579120277_11612789_121969 8383_n.jpg

[Ghost]

Just trying to make my friends in Denver feel a little better about the amount of snow removal they had to do this morning...

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/375863_10150557705770278_579120277_11464807_136815 8097_n.jpg
Mt Groom
(This was just one of the hills created when removing built up drifting snow from the past winter. Given that we only get 3" snow a year.)

Meh, I'd still rather be plowing snow where you are than sitting up here...that's just too cool, like visiting a strange planet...

[Snowman]

Is that truck made by the same folks that did the one (two, actually if you count the crew vehicle) for TopGear's Arctic Special?

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/386136_10150605554830278_579120277_11612789_121969 8383_n.jpgThey typically are. Most are outfitted that way with 100gal tanks and solar cells to keep the battery charged. They follow a line from Union Glaser that the small planes do to pick up loads of aviation fuel.

[Ghost]

They typically are. Most are outfitted that way with 100gal tanks and solar cells to keep the battery charged. They follow a line from Union Glaser that the small planes do to pick up loads of aviation fuel.

Awesome. You should bring one home. :p

[Snowman]

Won't fit into my 150lb luggage allowance.

[Ghost]

Won't fit into my 150lb luggage allowance.

Bummer.

[FZRguy]

I'd like to see some better pics of that truck if you get the chance.

[Snowman]

Caught this guy doing donuts around the pole marker...

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/395504_10150705739580278_579120277_12016272_120071 679_n.jpg

These Aus'es have all the fun...

[Snowman]

Heading home today, with a bit of a stop over.

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/395791_10150735168705278_579120277_12110270_112972 7592_n.jpg

[Tylar]

We should get a beer to commemorate your return to the "normal" hemisphere.

Travel safe, Randall.

[BC14]

We should get a beer to commemorate your return to the "normal" hemisphere.

Travel safe, Randall.
I second that :)

[Ninja2]

Have a safe trip. Let us know when you are back in CO.

[Wrider]

Little did we know, he was actually promoting alien invasions into Antarctica!
Yes a dead thread, but I thought this was relevant (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/46636830/ns/us_news-environment/)

[Snowman]

It is a huge problem down there. But it's such a harsh environment not much can survive on its own.

[sky_blue]

I browsed through the jobs -- is there a different pathway for science jobs? Closest I saw was a laboratory peon. Maybe you have to go directly through the people that get grants to work there? Any hints on this?