Why would you want to leave your warm and comfortable home to go to Antartica? Because it doesn't seem like there is a lot to do there in my own perspective.

Ms.Hams, when you were on the plane going over Antarctica, did you get an excited feeling like

"Wow, I'm really in Antarctica" I am on the opposite end of the earth.?

Do you know how tall Mt. Discovery is?

And will you ever consider climbing it?

hi Mr. Peneston   that was a great speech and thanks for coming in to tell us about what u are going to do because i am very intrested in what you were talking about             from  Kevin    p.s.whats youre fav. football team and sen me a cool picture of a penguin when you get there.byebye,

Hi Mr.Peneston  was the airpane ride boring and long    how many hours were you in the air pane    from kevin 

Hi Ms. Hams,

We are very interested in your journey to Beacon Valley because our son is part of Dr. Marchant's team.  He called on Friday night (Boston time) by satellite phone and we were very happy to hear that they are doing well. They hit their goal of drilling to 20 meters at the first drilling site at Mullens Glacier and they were packing up to move their camp to the next drilling site.  This one has older ice and is, therefore, more important that the last drilling location.  Unfortunately, there is more debris (rocks and dirt) in the ice so it will also be more difficult to drill through. You are to be commended for your courage in taking this journey.  We all appreciate hearing about what you are experiencing in that extreme but beautiful environment. Andy tells us that you are expected in Beacon valley early next week.  I hope you have a safe flight.  How will you be communicating from the field camp?  Are you bringing a computer and connecting to the internet through the satillite phone?  I wonder how the computer will do in the extreme cold.  Thank you again for all you are doing.  We are really looking forward to your next journal entry.  Please say Hi to Andy for us. Take care and stay safe.

Jayne

What a great start, as long as your fingers have recovered.  Can you describe the snow?  I am assuming it is very dry, but have not real idea.  Can you make snowballs or does it crumble?

Best of luck.

Mary Anne Pella-Donnelly

Chico Junior High

Hi Jackie.

I'm back from the trip to DC and catching up on all that is happening with PolarTREC.  I'm sorry to read about your fingers during Happy Camper School!  That does sound very painful!  How are they coming along?  

So, you were in school with Cameo - that is fun!  I'm glad you both got to be there together...nothing like sharing misery in good company :)   When do you head to Dry Valleys?

Also, I was wondering if you heard about all the fires surrounding LA!  I'm sure you  have and it's stressful to read about it from so far away but I bet the air quality there is so terrible right now - probably not the place to be anyway.

Thanks for the journals!

Best,

Janet

Jackie,

I have several high school science and math students following your expedition.  The schools are Harmon and Schagle so far.  The school provides laptops for all high school students !  This is great because the discussions of your journey have been incredible.  We can't wait for your next post.

Your sister,

Judy

Hi Jackie!

I'm so proud of you :) You are really IN Antarctica. All those months of preparing, worrying, discussing, and planning and now you are there. Your journals are great and it makes me happy to see Big Red with your name on it. Congrats. Now go have some fun!!!

Best wishes,
Janet and crew at ARCUS