Here is a compilation of email messages between Rye Jr. High students and Ms. Ellwood. This is updated as we exchange email.

Her first trip in  2003.

More questions and answers from Ms. Ellwood    Dec. 9, 2003

1. What was the first thing you wanted to eat when you returned stateside?
    A good pizza!
1a. What was the first thing you wanted to do when you returned stateside?
     sleep!

 2. Have you been able to sleep now that you are experiencing a dark night?
 or is it just exhaustion/jetlag?
      I am really not sure if the constant sun bothered me or not.  I know I wasn't sleeping much in Antarctica, but I think it was the schedule and business/newness of everything more than sunlight. (I can pretty much sleep anytime/anywhere!)
 
2a. Are you able to sleep?
    I slept like a rock last night.  It made me so tired. I had to take a nap later this morning!  Perhaps all the lack of sleep is finally just catching up... I feel tired now and I never felt this tired on the ice!
 
 3. What time zone is your body in?
Your guess is as good as mine!  I am totally lost on the time/day/etc.  It's really weird to be this "out of psync" with the world!

 4. What do you miss most about Antarctica?
 I miss everything about it!  I wonder what all my friends are doing down there and how its going for them.  I miss the scenery and the people.

 5. Will you keep in touch with anyone in Antarctica?
I have already been in touch with several folks from the ice.  I definitely plan on keeping in touch with all of them.  Some are already planning visits to NH - a few to even visit school and meet all of you folks!
 
 6. Did your weight change?
 I did lose a little bit of weight, which is funny because we ate quite a bit
down there!  Just goes to show the calorie demand is higher in Antarctica!

 7. Did you bring back a souvenir to remember your trip?
 I am having several rocks shipped back through the cargo system.  These were collected with permits and should arrive at school sometime in March or April.  I'll show them all to you when they arrive!  I bought an Antarctica travel mug - that's about it.... no room to pack a bunch of stuff!
 
 

3 emails from November 15, 2003

>Students in 7-3 wrote:

>We had a discussion about if this trip is costing you money. I shared
>the funding is provided by NSF and other organizations, but there were
>some costs that you encountered, ie software, camera, etc. Then we were
>wondering if you had to pay for food while at McMurdo. Do you have to
>pay for anything at McMurdo?
>
I don't need to pay for any food or basic necessities in McMurdo.  There
is a store there, if I want to buy extra "non essentials" - like
goldfish crackers, post cards, sweatshirts, etc.

>
>We were wondering why is the North Pole warmer than the South Pole. Do
>you know?
>
Yes - I do know.  The Arctic is ice on top of water.  The ocean currents
running below the surface erode away the lower layer.  The ice can never
get really thick.  The simple lower volume of snow mass keeps it a
LITTLE warmer than the Antarctic.  The other factor is the proximity to
land.  The Arctic has air mass influences from the land masses around
it.  The warmer air over the land blows over the ice - warming
(slightly) the air mass over the North pole.

South pole is ice on top of land, so it keeps piling up - is over 10,000
feet thick.  The sheer mass of ice makes it cooler.  Also there is
significantly less air influence from any land masses - there just
aren't any close enough!

>
>All for now,
>
Thanks for writing!  Chat with you again soon!

____________________________________________________
>7-2 Science class wrote:

>Hi Ms. Ellwood!
>
>Questions for you now that you are in the field.

Hey Gang - hello from Antarctica!

>1. Was it colder in the snow trench than outside?
>
No, it was actually quite warm in the snow trench.  Can you believe it's
possible to sleep out on the ice shelf in Antarctica and be warm???!!!
It's proof that the proper clothing and shelter can keep you warm and
"happy"!  I only built a "half roof" to my shelter.  I went to bed with
my head under the roof.  I woke up a few hours later and didn't like
being so close to the roof, so I tuned everything around - I was "sun
gazing" the rest of the "night"!  It was awesome!

>
>2. Do you like sleeping in the snow trench or in a tent more?
>
I guess I would have to say I enjoy the tent more.  Tents are a bit
warmer, they're much more private, and I can organize my stuff easier.
In a storm - I'd much rather be in a tent (although I know how to make a
snow shelter that would be just as good as a tent!).

>
>3. Do you have downtime and if so, what do you do?
>
Well... one day while we were in town, we had a "down" day, so we went
on the tour to Scott's hut, etc.  We may have some down time today; if
so we are planning to hike up to see the "rock garden" - sculpted
rocks!  There is quite a bit of work to do - long days, so usually when
we're done with all our tasks, we go to bed!

>
>4. What is your typical day like so far?
>
Each day has been a bit different - there really isn't a set routine.
We just do whatever needs to be done.  Ballpark: we head into the field
between 8-9am.  Either come back in for lunch or eat out in the field -
depending on where we're working.  back to work and in around 7:30 pm.
We often have to go back out and check on something or refuel something
for the "night"

>
>5. Have walked on a lake that you can see down through?
>
The lakes here are AMAZING.  I wish I could bring home some of the ice
so you can feel it - I just can't describe it or get a good picture of
it!  It's really jagged and rough in most parts, but then there are
amazing smooth parts (I'm told some of the lakes we're going to later
are all smooth).  You can see right through in some parts, but the ice
is over 4 meters (12 ft) thick and full of pressure cracks.  The bubbles
in the ice are fantastic.  Then there are the "pyramids" - it's like
polished jade only blue.  I wish I could bring you some.

>
>6. What time do you wake up and go to bed?
>
Well... I go to bed about 1 am and am up by 6 or 7.  It's a long day!

>
>7. Could you work all 24 hours a day?
>
Yes - anyone could work 24hrs a day here - the sun NEVER goes down -
it's really weird!  When I can't sleep, I'll often get up and work.

>
>8. Is it still hard to get to sleep in the "daylight?"
>
I am having a terrible time sleeping, but I'm not really sure it's
because of daylight.  I sleep pretty well - even mid day normally.  It's
possible I'm not sleeping because of the light, but I'm not convinced.
I seem to be sleeping a bit better each night!

>
>9. Are you still having the time of your life?
>
ABSOLUTELY!!!!!

>  :)
>
>10. How bad is the glare from the sun and reflection off the snow?  Do
>you have special goggles for that?
>
The glare and reflection is really bad!  We have to wear glacier glasses
or ski goggles.  If I take my glasses off for any length of time, it
really starts to hurt!  We also have to wear lots of sunscreen - double
whammy - sunlight and snow reflection!  Under the nose is a common burn
area!  Glacier glasses are really just sunglasses with flaps that cover
the sides to stop light from getting in from the side.  The ones used
down here have significant UV protection.

>
>11. In your spare time could you make a snowman for us?  And take a
>photo?
>
If I can I will - do you realize it would have to be a "block snowman"?
You can't ball up the snow like back in NH - it's either loose and
granular or packed (like you could make blocks) or it's frozen solid.
There is no moisture to bind the snow into a circle.  I suppose I could
"sculpt" a typical round snowman out of a huge block of snow!  I'll do
my best!

>
>Thanks for your time!
>
Anytime!  It was great to hear from you!

>We miss you!
>
I miss all of you!
 

_____________________________________________________
>Hi Ms. Ellwood from 7-4 class.
>
>We were wondering how you are able to send emails now that you are in
>the field. How do you get an Internet connection?
>
I have the answer!  From our camp, we send a radio signal to a
"repeater" station that is on the top of a nearby mountain.  From the
repeater, the signal gets bounced back to McMurdo station.  McMurdo then
sends the signal to a satellite dish which sends the signal to the
States - the signal is received on the west coast and forwarded from
there.  It really is amazing isn't it?

> Which part of the Dry Valleys are you in? We have a map to look at but
>are not sure where you are now.
>
I am currently in Taylor Valley.  I'm not sure which map you're looking
at, but Mrs. Cole has some great maps which you should be able to locate
me on.  We are camped beside Lake Hoare where it meets the Canada
Glacier.  See if you can find it now.

>Do you have to use a special camera to take your pictures? Are you using
>the underwater casing?  Is the temperature affecting your equipment?
>
I brought the underwater housing in case I would need to protect the
camera from severe temperature changes going from inside to outside.  So
far, I have not really needed to use it.  The only problem I have run
into so far is that my regular (SLR) camera and film freeze.  I have to
warm this camera up before it will take pictures or load a new roll of
film.  So far everything has been working great though!

Have you seen any penquins up close?

I have not seen any penguins.  I hope not to see any now that I'm in the valleys
(because they won't survive out here), but I do hope I see some before I leave!

>How was the training?
>
The training has been quite fun and informative!  It's amazing how
different the snow is here (and in the arctic) - it would be difficult
to build some of the structures we made our of snow in NH!

>
>Can you eat penquin?
>
Penguins are now protected by the Antarctic Treaty and Conservation
laws.  The early explorers ate them all the time, so Yes - you CAN, but
it's illegal and no one would think of doing that now (unless they were
stuck somewhere and starving - I wonder what would happen then??)

>
>Have you been having any fun with the ATV?
>
I am having a great time with the ATV - it's a fun way to "commute" to
work!  It's not so easy driving it across this lake - it's impassible by
ATV except in some parts.  The "moat" we call "highway 1"!  The moat is
the area around the lakes which melts in the height of summer - it's
still frozen now, but because it melts each year, it doesn't form the
rugged surfaces, so it's driveable!

>
>Which glacier is beside your tent?
>
The Canada Glacier is beside my tent.  I must tell you it's one of the
most beautiful things I have ever seen - I can't stop taking pictures of
it! :)

>
>Have fun! We'll see you in December!
>

I look forward to seeing all of you and sharing my adventure in more detail!
Cheers,
R. Ellwood

November 13, 2003 Hello 8-4!  I hope you are all doing well!  I REALLY miss all of you - I wish we could all go on an Antarctica field trip - you would love this place!  Let me try to answer your questions.

1.  What is the best thing you've done so far?
1)  The best thing I've done so far is arrive in the Dry Valleys - this place is absolutely spectacular.  My tent is set up right beside an amazing glacier!  We went ATV'ing all around the lake today measuring melt rates in various spots on the lake.  It has been fun!

2.  What kind of food do you eat?
2)  So far the food hasn't been too much different than what I would eat
at home.  We've had burgers, lasagna, chicken, etc.  There have been
lots of choices as well, so there is something for everything!

3.  Have you seen any live penguins?
3)  I have not yet seen any live penguins, but hopefully I'll see one
(or more!) on the way back to McMurdo.

4.  What do you miss the most?
4)  I miss lots of things - all of you, my family and friends, and color.

5.  Have you drilled any ice cores?
5)  We started drilling holes to collect samples today.  Haven't pulled
any cores out yet, but we may be pulling sediment cores soon.

6.  Are any of your colleagues hard to work with?
6)  Everyone is GREAT to work with - I like them all a lot.  They all
work hard, but have a great sense of humor.  We are working really hard
(15-18 hour days), but  are having a good time.

7.  When are you going in the underwater tube?
7)  I don't think I'll get a chance to go in the underwater tube.  I
don't think there will be time, and I heard the tube is not in the water
this year.

8.  Do you miss your shower? 8)  I REALLY miss my shower!  It's all part of being in the field though!
 

And 8-3 had a few questions too:
 

Hello as well to 8-3 from Antarctica!
1.  What is your task at the dry valleys?
1)  Our immediate task is to collect all the data from the stations that
have been collecting data all year.  We also will be collecting water
and sediment samples.  We also are going to clip the toenails of a dead
seal carcass to try and radio carbon date it to see how long it has been
where it is!

2.  Is it hard to sleep in 24 hour light?
2)   It is hard to sleep in all the day light!  I actually am not
sleeping very well - perhaps its just the excitement of it all!

3.  Do you miss any American junk food?
3)  I don't yet really miss American Junk Food!

4.  What is the most challenging so far?
4)  The most challenging thing so far is finding the time to  sleep!

5.  Would you like to be a full time researcher?
And both classes wanted to know if you missed them?
5)  I would very much like to be a full time researcher!  I have lots of
things I would like to study!

Well - I gotta go and write my journal and send the pictures off to the
web page.  I miss you all - will see you in not too long a time!
Cheers,
R. Ellwood

2.  How and what do you eat when you are out in the field?
2)  I'm not out in the field yet, so I'm still a bit unsure.  I believe
we will be having a fair amount of pasta, frozen fish/chicken and things
like that.  After a few nights in the field I'll have more info for
you.  Food here in McMurdo is amazing!

3. Do you sleep comfortably?
3)  I have not been sleeping too well yet although the dorm I'm in is
very nice and comfortable.  I think I'm still trying to remember all the
things I need to do before going to the field.  I don't want to be the
one to cause an experiment to go bad!  I also have a lot of energy -
it's all new and exciting; and the sun never setting makes it feel like
there is still time to get things done!

4. How do you go to the bathroom down there?
4)  In town, just like you do at home.  In the field, there are two
possibilities.  While at "camp" there are two big drums - one for pee
and one for poop.  While away from camp, you have to use a "pee bottle"
- not to be confused with your water bottle!

5. How do you email us?
5) That is a tricky question.  Miss Adams has a much better handle on
that than I do.  I set up on the computer just like you do at school.
We have had some problems with images because of a "routing" issue...
the system doesn't like to forward to other locations.  We think it's
all worked out now, so we'll see!  If you start seeing pictures, you'll
know it's working.  I will find out more specifics about how this is
done - I am very curious myself!

6. How big is the tent you will be staying in?

6) I haven't seen my issued tent yet - will be picking it up in a couple
days.  I have seen several others set up - some are tall and skinny -
big enough to stand straight up in and some are more dome shaped - you
would have to lean over while standing.  I'll know more soon!

 I hope you are all doing well!  I'll be posting lots of specific
information in the journal, so keep reading!
Cheers,
Ms. Ellwood

Hello from Antarctica 7-3 science class!
Things here are going great - except for a few computer issues ... like
my pictures aren't posting on the web page - but they should be on the
page soon!
let me try to answer some of your questions!

>1. Do you have to wear the same clothes all the time?
1) I have a few changes of clothes, but not many!  What really
determines what we wear is the weather conditions.  There are only so
many combinations you can make with the clothing, so we'll be wearing
the same "stuff" most of the time!  Can you smell it now??? :)

> 2. Are you able to take showers?

2) We are able to take showers while we are in McMurdo Station, but not
at all while we are in the field - going in a few days!

>3. Where do you change your clothes in the tent?
3) The tents are large enough to almost stand up in, so changing clothes
isn't really a problem.  We all have our own tent, so there is ample
privacy as well!

>4. Have you seen any penguins?
4) I have not seen any penguins yet, but this time of year the edge of
the ice is still quite a distance from here.  I saw two scua's today
(I'm not sure of the spelling).  They are basically the Antarctic sea
gull, but they are amazing to watch in flight!

>5. How many people per tent?
5) One person/tent

>6. What will you eat out in the field?
6) We will eat lots of pasta and frozen foods.  There is quite a variety
in order to meet everyones dietary needs.

>7. Do men and women share a tent?
7) no sharing of tents, although we could if we wanted/needed to!

>8. Is there hot water?
8) There is plenty of hot water in town, and plenty in the field as long
as the fuel supplies last - there is plenty of ice to melt on the stoves!

>9. What are you most excited to do now that you're there?
9) I am most excited to see the Dry Valleys.  Everyone says they are
spectacular!  The eclipse will also be a highlight.  Everything about
this place is new and exciting!

Thanks so much for writing - it's great to hear from you!  Write again!
Cheers,
Ms. Ellwood