The USAP shutdown of 2013

On October 1st, the first day of our government shutting down I departed for my third field season in Antarctica. I was all set to help anchor the primary productivity sector of the LTER out of Palmer Station. We arrived at Palmer on the evening of October 8th and were greeted by the station manager who laid out the orientation schedule for the next day. We woke up the next morning excited to start our field season but something wasn't right, all our orientation meetings had been cancelled and instead there was an All Hands Meeting at 9am in the Palmer Station Lounge. This wasn't looking good... We all gathered in the lounge fully filling it and received the bad news; Palmer Station would be moving into caretaker status and all but a select handful of essential personnel would be heading back home. The National Science Foundation (NSF) wasn't getting their funding therefore the Antarctic Support Contract (ASC) didn't have theirs and we would be unable to have our research field season. I don't think anything could of been more depressing to hear at that moment. Here is a link to one of the first articles about this whole situation.

In the days that followed we worked on prepping station for the shut down. Scientists have had to sort through cargo and decide on what needs to be shipped back to the warehouse in Chile, or worse all the way back home. Some things can remain staged in the event we attempt to salvage the field season. The worst however, is watching many of these wonderful people find out that they have been terminated. While my research position is soft money I am lucky enough to be going home to a full time job with benefits. Many of my fellow Antarctic comrades are finding out that they are terminated for the season. It is a sad situation for the loss of science this year as well as for the many of us that make personal sacrifices to come here year after year.

Lets hope our government has some better news for us going forward.

Feb 2nd to Feb 15th - Back to the Grind

Finally home after 6 weeks of travel. Yay all my fur babies!!!

Enjoying a snowy hike with Kona.

Haven't been here for a long time. Back to the desk is always hard.

Rough morning... apparently we are skipping breakfast and staying in bed.

Yes, I have a child who is 5, has four legs, is furry, and doesn't know how to put his toys away!

The hunter with his new Lobster.

Lovebugs!

Yay more snow! Time to play.

It's almost time to register for The Color Run!!!

Almost spring time on the farm. Warm, sunny, and near 50 degrees.

Sophie rocking her new fleece! 

Valentine from my stalker... time for the restraining order.

Happy Valentines Day to Me!!!

Papers, papers, papers.... time to start writing again.

Jan 21st to Feb 1st - Sailing in the BVI's

"Slim Chance" a lovely home for two weeks!

The "Chanticleer" our sister boat.

Mary and Todd our wonderful Captains!

The whole gang at Loblolly Bay, Anegada.

Come sail away...

Island Time!

All signs point to fun.

The crew of the "Chanticleer"

Yes that is rotten fish skin in between Kelsey's teeth and yes she is going to feed the Tarpons like that!

Enjoying the floating bar at the "Chanticleer"

Time for some boat drinks!

Full moon party at Trellis Bay!

Boat Life!

Beautiful sunset on our last night.

Jan 20th - Quick Stop Home

So happy to see my furbabies!!! Just a quick stop home for hugs and cuddles before heading off for another two weeks.

Kona loves his Chickie from Tyga!

Gus is getting so big!

My snuggle bug Sophie.

Jan 7th to 19th - Africa

Table Mountain with its tablecloth on.

Glider delivery with Table Mtn., Lions Head & Signal Hill in the background.

RU29 getting prepped for deployment.

Deployment Crew

Clifton Beach

Boulder Beach

African Penguins at Boulder Beach

View from the top of Table Mtn.

Lions Head from Table Mtn.

Hanging out with a Cape Eagle Owl at Spier Raptor Center

Visiting with Opi! (my grandfather)

Cape of Good Hope: most South-Western point on the African Continent. 

Lion at Bakubung Reserve

Southern Red Bishop

Southern Masked Weaver building his nest. 

Amarula 4th largest male elephant at Bakubung.

Jan 2nd through 6th

I've gone from New Jersey to Munich, Germany to Cape Town, South Africa! What a way to start the new year.

Going away gift for Gus & Sophie

Helping mommy pack... Going to miss these two!

Marienplatz, Center City Munich, Germany

Flying into Cape Town, South Africa! Table Top Mountain in the background.

Surrounded by Clown Fish at Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town.