Memorial Day 2010

Memorial Day 2010, it has turned out to be a wonderful day for us here at Summit. The last couple of days were overcast and windy. All of the ant tracks were blown away and the sastrugi have gone from nothing to 2 foot in height in some areas. This morning I was removing the snow from the down wind side of my tent, just to let the sun shine in.

Now for some definitions:

ANG
The Air National Guard. The 109th squadron which flies the unique LC-130s that fly into the arctic and antarctic remote stations.

Ant Tracks
The paths made by multiple people in the snow between buildings. Usually following one makes walking easier.

Bag Drag
The act of showing up at the ANG to weigh in for for a flight. All checked luggage is taken, and all PAX are weighed with carry-on bags and ECW gear. The times change with little notice, but are rarely convenient.

Beaker
A scientist.

Big House
The main building at Summit Camp. It houses the dining hall and general use toilet and shower.

Boomerang
To turn back in mid-flight, usually due to bad weather at the landing site, or mechanical problems, especially ski issues with the LC-130s.

Carp
Short for Carpenter. Also the name of the Carpenter berthing building at Summit.

DNF
Do Not Freeze, a label applied to cargo that must not be allowed to sit outside.

DV

Distinguished Visitor, a person of some prominence down for a visit. DV is used in favor of the more common VIP.

ECW

Extreme Cold Weather, the label given to our protective clothing, from parkas and bunny boots, to bear claws, balaclavas, yazoo caps, et cetera.

Freshies
Common term for fresh fruit and vegetables.

Green House
The science and full time crew berthing building at Summit.

MSF
Mobile Science Facility. This is the newest building at Summit. Put into operation summer 2010.

PAX
Passengers.

PI
Principle Investigator, head of a science project.

Sastrugi
Sharp irregular groves in the snow surface carved by the wind. They are usually parallel to the prevailing wind.

Sun Dogs
The name for the two rainbows that appear on either side of the sun, approximately 23° away, caused by the refraction of light through suspended ice crystals. Frequently seen with displays of halos and other perihelical effects. They are occasionally visible in temperate latitudes, but more common in polar regions.

Tent City
This is a group of 20 tents setup at Summit for the use of summer personnel.

Traverse
The name given to any journey across the ICE more than several miles in length.