17 November, 2001

Nov 17th -A Tired Team

Yesterday's penguin sighting was the highlight of an otherwise exhausting week. We have been working since Nov 6th without a day of rest. This is now taking its toll on most of the team. The morale and mood of everyone is changing by the day. We had hoped that tomorrow (Sunday) would be a day of rest. However, there is too much to do. We have to work. To make matters worse, we now have to be up an hour earlier in the mornings.

I am not writing this to complain about life here. Antarctica is the most beautiful place in the world, and I feel that I am the luckiest person to have experienced it. I just need for everyone reading this to understand that finding the time to write journals is very difficult at the moment. Any free moment I have, I use to write. The problem is that as we continue to work without a break and our "batteries" are not being recharged, it is difficult to keep up a pace like this and remain clear-headed. This science project is immense. We have to prepare and install 31 more seismic stations by the middle of December. This is a daunting task.

If a few days pass without a new journal entry appearing, know that I am trying my hardest to get it to you. I really enjoy writing the journals and adding the pictures. I just wish I had more time.

I love getting everyone's emails. Thank you! I have 105 of them to read and respond to at the moment. I wish I could write back more quickly. I would like to say hello to all of my Shoultes Elementary School students and friends. I miss you all very much! Can't wait to see you again! More soon…

I'm an ace with a drill now!

Is there something wrong with this picture?

What's this license plate doing in Antarctica? There are no polar bears down here. (I love the shape of the plate!)

Close-up of the fun license plate

A picture with the penguin (sort of)

He's headed for the plane!

He's skating!

Can you find the hiding penguin?

Bye!