More details, More Ice

First, for Kari, who wanted more of the gory details on the tin can
challenge. Each team, at the same time, was given a can with foil over
the top. Someone said go, and they all started eating at once. The worst
part was that every team had canned peas. And not just any peas, military
peas. Some teams were only able to take one bite before giving up, and
some just kept plugging away. It looked and smelled disgusting. I guess
last cruise they had to drink the juice in the bottom of the can, too, but
this year they did away with that. Not that it helped. I'm just really
glad I didn't sign up for that.

Onto other news. The second day of sampling has not started yet, although
it was supposed to about five hours ago. We got stuck in the ice and
didn't move for a good long time. They finally started a turbine for an
additional propeller shaft (the boat has 3 props and each has an auxiliary
turbine) and we were able to punch through a really thick pressure ridge
and keep going. Even so, they say we may not be on the next station until
noon Sunday. What this means is that I powernapped after working my shift
and then helped drill ice cores after my shift, only to wake up, down four
cups of coffee, and then be told I can hit the rack (bed) for another few
hours. I'm doing my laundry. On the bright side, the Today show comes on
at 3am on armed forces network, so at least I have something to watch.

Nothing else going on
Steve