McMurdo Station, Antarctica


(left)The Ice Runway sevice line buildings. They sit atop skis which allow them to be towed further inland to Willy Field where the permanent sea ice is. This is necessary once the transistion and Ice Runway thickness diminishes towards December.(right) The road leading to the Ice Runway is called "The Transition". Viewed from downtown McMurdo; McTown which is situated at 77 degrees south latitude on Ross Island. My first impression of McMurdo is that is resembles an old mining town, and seeing that the ground is composed of volcanic ash accents this. Summertime population here is over 1000 people. 60 miles across the Ross Sea is the Royal Society Mountain Range.

Longtime South Pole Station friend, Tom Hutchings, exits the big all terrain Terra Bus which is used to transport workers to/from the runway.

Another view looking across to the Royal Society Mountain Range from McMurdo. The helicopters are used to transport science parties to small field camps.

South Pole bound males get to reside in this not so private bunk room. Not a pleasant place to be when it is packed with stinky guys, snoring, and people coming and going all the time.

A few McMurdo trade shops on the hilltop on the right. Southernmost fire dept on the left. The globe on the hill in the distance is a satellite relay. Unlike South Pole Station, Mctown has 24 hour satellite coverage.


The realization that one is in a remote part of the world is realized when looking at the sea ice from Hut Point, a short walk from downtown McTown.

Looking towards McTown from Hut Point. British Antarctic Explorer, Capt. Scott, built the shack in the foreground in the early 1900s as an outpost to his primary research building at Cape Evans, 60 miles away.

Various trekked vehicles used to go out onto the sea ice.

Looking down from the top of the hill by the firehouse is the National Science Foundation Chalet on the right and transitional housing on the left.

Another view of McTown.

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