Back in Mac Town
Well, here I am, back at McMurdo. It took us a lot longer to get to the base from the ice runway than it did last time. That’s because the two icebreakers have broken up the ice that we used to drive on. It’s all in preparation for The Ship, which brings a lot of the big equipment and supplies here to McMurdo, and then to the other bases (including the South Pole). I think the IceCube water drill is on the ship, but I could be mistaken. Anyway, my transition to a daytime schedule is still in progress, and I’m feeling a little sleepy. Luckily, this time I have a room to myself (for now, given that it has five beds), so I should be able to get a nap in before dinner. Hopefully I’ll get out to do some exploring tomorrow. We’ll see.
That’s news for now,
-Jonathan
January 5th, 2004 at 4:19 pm
Hi Jon — I wonder how it will feel to get back to the day-to-day functions of SCHOOL… compared to what you’ve been living this past month, it’s going to be culture shock, I expect. Well, enjoy your last few days of freedom. Catch you later.
M
January 6th, 2004 at 9:09 am
Jon,
I’m glad you’ll be able to get to NZ without spending too much time in McMurdo. There are all kinds of things to do in NZ, but I recommend bungi jumping in Queenstown! Quickest way is to go off the bridge (to the right) you pass on the main road into town, where you can get dunked in the river below, though some other jumps from more remote locations around town are available from the same outfit - the pipeline looks cool (A.J. Hackett). Or maybe you just want to herd some sheep, or take in the nice view of the harbor outside christchurch, ride the gondola (or rent a mountain bike from in town), etc. The train ride to Arthur’s pass is supposed to be nice, though I’ve not done it. You could drive and hike to the glaciers on the south island, too. The bubbling mudpools and geysers around rotorua on the north island are probably too far of a trip since you’ll have only a few days.
Have fun,
Glenn
January 6th, 2004 at 9:11 am
Jon,
We are all happy that you are safe and still enjoying your adventure. Keep us up on what you are able to see and do. Few of us will ever have an opportunity like this so we are sorta living it vicariously with you.
Understand you may not have a good Internet connection while in Mac Town. Maybe you will be able to make it work better when you get to Christchurch.
Dad
January 6th, 2004 at 11:29 am
Jon,
Your adventure came up in Coffeehouse Monday today. Somehow (you know how discussions go at Grace), the origins of the culture of NEw Zealand came up. Is it a mainly Christian culture at this time? We wondered about how Christchurch got its name. I know there is a rich native culture (Maori, I believe) but we were wondering more about the modern day attitudes etc. If you can find out any of this while you are there, we’d appreciate it! Anne
January 6th, 2004 at 4:27 pm
HI Jon,
I used to like Dr. Glenn. Now I don’t: - ) Don’t go bungee jumping. I didn’t breastfeed you for 12 months to have you jump off a bridge. (Sorry to embarrass you but drastic circumstances require drastic measures.)
Love,
Mom