Fun in the field

We conduct what is called a “footprint” survey at many of the sties we visit. This involves putting out several receivers within a close proximity to the main mark. These sites are occupied for an hour, and will show if the main site is unstable. When we get to a site that is being footprinted, we set the equipment up, and then while the receivers record data for an hour, we have time to look at the local geology, explore, or in most cases, goof around and have fun. Everyone in the group likes to explore, but Paul, one of the pilots, is my favorite person to run around and play with. He is like a mountain goat, always dashing around everywhere and thinking of fun things to do. At this site, Paul noticed a peak of snow and decided to run up it (which is so much fun at 8-10,000 ft. elevation in 20 pounds of clothing…it’s an incredible feeling to get to the top of a hill or cliff and be totally out of breath and exhausted, especially in Antarctica…the fresh cold air filling your lungs…you just feel so alive and happy!) At any rate, I saw Paul at the top of this hill, diving on his belly and sliding all over the place, and I thought to myself “What an extraordinary idea!!!” So, of course, I ran up and joined in the fun. The snow is the perfect consistency for sliding. It’s not ice, but rather packed snow that’s been sheared smooth by the wind. We found intermittent patches of this smooth snow to slide on, all the way back down to the bottom of the hill. The peak in this photo was a beauty, nice and steep. Mike Starbuck saw us sliding down it and decided to come join in the fun. How could you not?!? He was the one that ended up taking this photo. Thanks Mike! The photo shows Paul standing with his legs apart, and me sliding down the hill on my belly right before I went through Paul’s legs. Outstanding fun!