Antarctica–Dry Valleys
October 18, 2014
A month from now, here’s where I’ll be headed: The Dry Valleys, just over the Antarctic mountain range.
As you recall, I’ll be observing small eukaryotic microbes in bizarre frozen lakes with Dr. Rachael Morgan-Kiss. I’m bringing a field microscope to see the tiny protists–here is test footage of Tetrahymena from our intro bio lab (where they’re making the poor creatures smoke cigarettes).
I’m now packing up all sorts of field equipment and cold-weather gear. Today I ordered insulated pants, neck gaiters, and UV-resistant snow goggles for the ozone hole. Here, I’m keeping up with East Knox High School, which hosted us for a visit last month. We asked their opinion: Am I dressed warm enough for Antarctica yet?
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Ultraphyte 
This is just so so cool. Can’t wait to see how your trip unfolds.
Cool indeed. All puns intended. For what you will learn and for what you will share with us.
that’s what I was thinking, too! so cool! Just read up on Tetrahymena in Wikipedia – what a cool (there it is again!) beastie!
Sounds like a really great adventure. Have fun!
Thanks for all the comments! I’m trying to devise a thermal protector for my cell phone to take cool photos and videos.
The pictures you’ve posted make it easy to see why Kim Stanley Robinson had his Mars settlers trained in Antarctica. Definitely looks like a place where you will cherish your friends and their company.