McMurdo Station has a fluctuating summer population of 1,000 +/-. These scientists, plumbers, Air National Guardsmen, heavy equipment operators, shovelers, cooks, etc. are constantly coming and going. They need to get around town, to their work sites, and out to the airfield.
The Shuttles Drivers
There are 24 people in the Shuttles department, all brilliant individuals that I am quite fond of. Besides all being white and from the U.S., I'd say we're all quite different. But... if you had to boil us down into two groups, I think most would have to agree that us Shuttles drivers are either A) young, talented, beautiful women or B) dirty but kind old men. You all know which group I fall into.
The Vee-hicles
Our fleet consists of:
Vans - Ford Econoline E-350 vans, lifted up with big snow tires
Airporters - The type that take you from the airport to the car rental office
Deltas - Old navy vehicles that are sturdy and versatile, have huge tires and are articulated in the center, so they turn on a dime
Ivan the Terra Bus - The icon of McMurdo and the largest vehicle on the continent.
The Roads
In town they are gravel roads made from lava rock, dirt and dust. They were icy when I arrived but that has all melted away by now.
The road out to the airfield is a different story. From town we drive down to the beach (used in the loosest sense of the term); this is where the transition is. This is where it gets gnarly with huge cracks several feet wide and potholes with unknown depths that have been known to have seal heads pop out. And its just another 13 miles out to Pegasus airfield. Fortunately this is mostly all on the permanent ice shelf.
The Thrill
The joy of my job is being outside every day, driving these great rigs, meeting amazing people, watching the weather pass and the sun circle the horizon, and watch the season progress.
And of course the driving... It's been an especially cold December according to many people that have been coming down for years. For the moment the road remains in good condition. I feel deprived. I want the real nasty conditions... it gives a driver some excitement, something to relish, something to be able to complain about. And its even more fun to do in someone else's vehicle.
Watch this video!
The Road to Misery starring our very own Shuttle Bill as he crosses the transition in a Delta at one of the nastier times of the year. This film won the 2008 McMurdo Film Festival.
A few more pics....
I was just enthralled with this post. Lots of good information and good personal perspectives. I had my fingers crossed during the film. Just what would happen if he or you in the earlier one, couldn't get out of a deep rut? Would they send out just bigger equipment to haul you out? Really hairy stuff as it is- why do you want more? It's almost as dangerous as dating.
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