We were transported out to the snow camping area near Williams (Willy’s) Field, an ice runway.

The Crew.

Waiting for transport to snow camp.

Heading to Snow Camp.

A view of the terrain from our transport on the roadway to snow camp.

The “field” training consisted of building a wall out of sawed snow blocks to shield out tents from the wind and each setting up our tents.

The Wind Shield.

The wall is intended to shield out tents from strong winds, which are common.

Fortunately, we had great weather: sunny, low winds, and relatively warm near the teens.

Ralph Stephen and Mt. Erebus.

At snow camp. Ralph Stephen from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (one of our team) with Mt. Erebus in the background. Mt. Erebus is an active volcano, and you can see a plume of water vapor/gasses coming out of the top.

All of our crew are newbies, so we’re learning a lot.

Oceanographer Ron Flick Braving the Elements.

Kneeling in the “vestibule”.

Always something new …

Castle Rock.

One of the interesting rock formations seen from snow camp.