From the Ice by Victor Villalobos, field research team:
Before returning to the ice, I wondered how our 2021 season would play out without a full crew and field camp at Big Razorback. My last field season was 2019 (pre-pandemic). Since then, I have missed the seal pups dearly, my old, trusty snowmobile “Crusty”, and the satisfying feeling of putting on stiff and salty Carhartt bibs every morning. I was also curious to see how McMurdo Station has changed given that the pandemic has made travel logistics more dynamic than the sea ice.
Victor aboard his trusty snowmobile Crusty, with Turks Head in the background.
The MEC of McM keeps our snowmobiles running strong throughout the season. Photo by Parker Levinson
Every season has its challenges, but not every season is the same. The sea ice is a constant reminder that magnificence, beauty, and some risk are ever present with each step we take. However, the amazing McMurdo Field and Safety Team does an incredible job each year training B-009 [the science group number of the project] for some of the obstacles we may encounter out on the ice. About every two weeks, sea ice reports are published that provide detailed information that help us make field decisions throughout the season. Our jobs would not be possible without the diligent, hard work of all Field and Safety personnel and helicopter pilots.
Geoff Schellens leads the B-009 team through some multi-year ice in North Base. Photo by Natalie Brechtel.
Comparable to the dynamics of the sea ice, I am continually impressed with the group of individuals that make this station operate under stressful forces. Although we all are working through a challenging pandemic, the ability to overcome formidable obstacles remains a puzzle for the people of McMurdo to solve every day. Many things have changed since I was last here, however, the quality and high standard of personnel remains at a pinnacle from what I remember.
The cleanest you'll ever see the B-009 team at the Thanksgiving Feast at McMurdo.
From L to R: Evan Shields, Parker Levinson, and Victor Villalobos. Photo by Shelby Redgate.
Although we do not have a field camp this year, I feel fortunate to be at McMurdo station. The spoils of having a hot meal, access to exercise, a warm room, and hot showers makes me forget that I am on the Antarctica continent. Sometimes overlooked, the hardworking staff in the galley provides us the energy to endure long days in sub-zero temperatures on the ice. Their amazing food, desserts, and tasty breads brightens our long days, especially when we must eat on the run. They always go above and beyond during the Holidays to make McMurdo feel like home for us. The logistics that go into providing hot water, hot meals, a warm room, as well as the janitors that keep things immaculately clean, are far too many to describe in detail here, but I appreciate every single McMurdo staff member and all that they do!
As I write this blog post we are in the middle of an Antarctic winter storm with strong winds rolling in. I have no doubt we will endure this storm because of the fortitude, discipline, and grit that every McMurdo member has. No matter the obstacle, the people of McMurdo find a way to overcome and make do with less. While B-009 is always grateful to work in Antarctica, I remind myself that we are especially fortunate to conduct Antarctic science amidst a global pandemic and many others do not have that same opportunity. I speak for all B-009 members that it is a pleasure to work with such a stellar community.
- Victor Villalobos
Montana State University, Master’s of Science Candidate
Victor is a new Montana State University Master's of Science candidate on the project and is really valuable as he worked on the project in 2 different years: one when we had a camp at Big Razorback and one when we were based out of Turtle Rock. Victor has always been a great team member, very helpful with all aspects of camp life and field work, and very knowledgeable about our field gear, study area, and our tagging and survey procedures.
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