Airshow on Ice

I have always loved going to airshows. But going to one here, on the sea ice.....uh YEAH!
They set up a static display of the aircraft used here on the airfield, which is out on the sea ice. Crazy to think that ice can hold this much weight. The pilots were aboard and answered questions. I thought the most interesting thing one of them told me was the following:

             Me: " It's pretty windy out here (more so then around the base) are crosswinds a major factor in landing on the ice?"

             Pilot:  "Yes especially landing with skis. Tires give and are easier to make adjustments. A lot of the time we land with one engine in full forward, and one in full reverse."

             Me:  "...........WOW!........that's cool"

Yeah, that is all I could come up with, wow.....it just shocked me. Sounds safe. Not on my list of jobs for next year. Anyway here are some pictures. Enjoy.....

This plane is having an identity crisis...Australia, Canada,......??????

And where else can you just walk up in the tower? Only here...legally at least.

I'll close with some of the Huey's in action. I'll get some C-17 & C-130s in action soon.



...........the sound travels so far.........you can hear it coming for miles....definitely combat ineffective..

but it is SOOOOOOOO COOL!!

....Till next time..............
                              ........................."Cooking on Ice"

Trail Maintenance

This is my shovel....... there are many like it....but this one is mine....

...actually this was my first shovel....

(it couldn't handle me...)

So today I volunteered to help clean up the trails I regularly hike. Only seems right to maintain what I use. So basically a small group hiked the trail and removed the snow.....yes in Antarctica. Not to much explaining here. Most people know exactly what it is like.....kinda like shoveling a sidewalk. Been a while since I have had to do that. My back concurs.....

So here are a few pictures of the task.....

.......and a County (or State) worker....well supervisor pose.....

Not the best pic, I had one of me leaning on the shovel while everyone else worked...but this one is clearer...you get the point. And the reward for this; other than personal satisfaction, sense of community spirit, and a nice hike (after getting out of work early); the thing that made it worth it.....

I got my own placard for the trail system. The only way to get one (I'm told) is to do this volunteer work. I also got a pretty cool sticker.....

.................ahh the little things.


                                                                                  Till next time....................

..............."Cooking on Ice"



Hut 10

This is Hut 10. It is a small house you can "rent" for a day. I put rent in quotes because there is no exchange of money, just a key....

It was the Base commander's quarters originally. It is pretty much like a small 2 bedroom apartment or house.

Although it's not much; you get a sense of being away from everyone. Not alone; just not surrounded. After spending 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with 1000 plus people, it is a nice change.

It has a fully equipped kitchen; that is to say, dishes, glasses, cutlery, and cookware. You can stock the fridge and invite a few (stress few) close friends over for a more intimate gathering.

When visiting dignitaries or VIP guest come, this is where they stay. All the typical amenities are included.....

The view is pretty awesome......

..and the only traffic is from the helo pad. It's really impossible how this little house provides a sense of normalcy and serenity. Once you leave, you can feel both the reality of the cold and of the community hit you......




Until next time...........
                          ............................"Cooking on Ice"