Polar Sea

The Polar Sea rounding Hut Point on its' way into McMurdo Station, with the Trans-Antarctic Mountains in the background



The Polar Sea approaching the ice pier.



The view from amidships on the Polar Sea, looking into the brash ice.

So the Swedish ice breaker Oden arrived alost a week ago after cutting a channel through the sea ice for the tanker and supply vessel to pass through so we can take on supplies for the coming year. Then yesterday the US Coast Guard Cutter Polar Sea arrived; together with the Oden they will work to keep the channel open and free of bergie bits for the next few weeks. There is even hope that if we get a good strong storm with high winds, that all the sea ice will blow out into the Sound all the way up to the ice shelf. If that is the case, then the 35-100 orcas that are swimiming behind the ice breakers will be playing in our front yard. Or so goes the hope.

Anyway, I had volunteered to be a line handler for when ships do arrive, so when Polar Sea came in, I was on the ice pier standing by to take her lines and tie her up. That evening we were invited aboard to take a tour and see their vessel, and then raid their ship's store, just as their crew was then raiding outr store. I think they got the better deal, as ours sell beer. That night at the bar the place was choked with Coasties enjoying thier first shore leave in awhile. So we'll play host to them for a few more days while they take on fuel and then they'll be back to work in the channel.