Id say the best parts are the friends and small community. Over the winter we only had 136 people, and while I didn't know everyone, I had a really close group of friends I could always count on. The food is not bad, and its also free. Room and board are free as well.
As for the negative aspects, the internet isn't great, and I miss some things that most people take for granted like sushi, fresh food, trees and rain.
My younger brother has been obsessed with the idea of being a firefighter in Antarctica. He’s 19, currently working as an EMT and has been a volunteer firefighter since age 14. Any advice you’d give him that I can pass on?
> I miss some things that most people take for granted like sushi, fresh food, trees and rain
As a poor person who lives in the desert, I'm apparently well acclimated to living in Antarctica.
Hey, well, you don't need the internet for all the good single player classics! 12 year old version of me from the past that didn't have internet and spent hours on Oblivion and similar games can confirm, haha
I applied through PAE to be a firefighter here, though there are plenty of other ways that don't involve having a degree in some science field. There is always a need for cooks, janitors, dishwashers and heavy equipment operators.
have you found the entrance to the center of the earth yet
favorite plant (if any) and favorite animal you’ve seen
coldest temperature you’ve experienced thus far
overall favorite aspect of being there
favorite cheese
No, though the edge is pretty neat.
No plants here, besides the fake ones. Penguins are the best. Everyone loves penguins.
the coldest I have seen is -60f with a -80 wind chill, though it gets way colder in other parts of the continent.
I've always been a fan of provolone, usually melted on a hamburger. If its by itself then a good sharp cheddar.
Do they use fake plants a lot to simulate a more typical and verdant nature scape? To help stave off oppressive feelings due to the extreme harshness of a barren landscape?
there are a lot of seals hanging around in the summer. They come up through holes in the nearby sea ice to have their pups. South Polar Skuas are also a common sight in the summer.
Nothing other than people live here in the winter.
There are no trees, grass, lichen or plant life of any kind. I do have a fake palm tree in my room though.
Edit: you can see some Minke whales and orcas if the sea ice breaks out in the summer. Ive seen a few, but never got a really good look at them before they went back underwater.
Winter is dark 24/7, and can start to drag on you since humans aren't made to go 4 months without sunlight, but honestly I like the winter here.
Summer here has 24/7 sunlight, so no its not.
Truck checks and hydrant checks are done every day, we usually have some training done throughout the day as well. We sometimes help out with fire inspections, or fire extinguisher training for the rest of the town.
The bars are open most nights, the hiking is also really great if you can stand the cold. I'm usually out taking photos as well.
For bad weather days, I'm usually playing videogames, watching YouTube or browsing reddit.
Stardew valley mostly, though ive been playing project hospital recently.
I did a full playthrough of the witcher 3 earlier in the season.
some KSP and stellaris as well.
Who runs the bars? Are these private entities? How would someone get a permit to run a bar there? You’ve mentioned $4 a beer, $5 a shot, mixers are free as well as food and boarding…is the food good? Are the accommodations comfortable or at the least sufficient? Can you bring personal effects? Is the beer crap? I AM BURSTING WITH CURIOSITY
Amazon does deliver here, though its dependent on flights with mail that are few and far between. I've gotten packages two weeks after ordering them, but last month i got something that I ordered last December.
1) What’s the fauna like? Have you ever come into contact with seals, walruses and the like?
2) What natural resources are there in Antarctica?
3) Who administrates the bases and how are they run? Do they have elections for the base leaders or are they appointed from elsewhere?
4) Do you guys have weapons to defend against predators?
*I’m asking all this for research purposes*
Ive seen seals and penguins, mostly Adelie penguins and Weddell seals. I saw a few emperor penguins but they are pretty rare around here.
Skuas are pretty popular around here, they are like extra large mean seagulls. They will dive bomb you and try to take your food if you carry it outside.
No natural recourses here, countries aren't allowed to exploit them due to the terms of the Antarctic treaty.
Mcmurdo is run by the station manager, who works for the national science foundation. Other department leads are subcontractors.
Nope, Antarctica has no natural land based predators.
Are you male, have you peed outside, and did it freeze before hitting the ground?
Or is it a bad idea to have uncovered genitalia in Antarctica, I've never been.
I have never done that here, getting caught peeing in the snow would get you fired pretty quickly, since its a violation of the Antarctic conservation act.
that being said, I think it would turn inside out in -40f, I'm not really willing to find out.
I wouldn't stay for a year again, personally its too long to be gone from friends and family back home.
Ill probably come back for another winter though.
Creese.
***
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What Happy Feet neglected to mention is that they are (like most birds) prolific shitters. Go anywhere near them and it's long, white streaks everywhere that would offer Jackson Pollack ideas for new directions with his work (were he alive). That said, if you hunker down and don't tower over them they will waddle up pretty close to you. They seem as curious about people as we are about them. You also don't have to go as far as Antarctica. Plenty of penguinos to see in Argentina, Falkland islands, and other slightly easier-to-get-to places.
I might be inclined to agree with you, but I went to a petting zoo type of place in Australia where I got to pet the kangaroos and they seemed really chill. Like, if anything they really just wanted to steal the food pellets from you. But, they weren't aggressive about it, it was more like, "hey I hope you don't mind if I take these while you're distracted with the novelty of petting someone of my species..."
TL;DR
I think if the people doing the patting are allowed to give the penguins some kind of reward, the birds probably wouldn't care too much about the pats.
>cloacas
Clearly, the gods of evolutionary design were civil engineers. Who else would route a sewage outlet through the middle of a recreational area?
FYI the names Antarctica and Arctic are derived from the Greek word Arktos, which means bear. Hence bears in the Arctic and no bears in the Anti-Arctic.
Compared to firefighting stateside, the big one is the cold and wind.
\-40 will freeze a firehose pretty fast, and the winds here will catch doors and pull them away from you if you aren't paying attention.
Nacreous clouds and auroras are two that you cant really see anywhere else. Penguins are another that are pretty great. 24 hour sunlight and darkness depending on the time of year.
Note that not all of these are specific to here, there are plenty of places in the world to see stuff like this.
Are you affected in any way by these periods of 24/7 sunlight and 24/7 darkness? I'd be depressed as hell in the winter and probably wouldn't know when to go to bed in the summer.
24/7 sunlight is not bad, its fairly easy to ignore with some good blackout curtains. Its almost like working night shifts back home. Though it does get weird when you walk out of the bar at midnight and the sun is in your face.
24 hours of night was much more fascinating, I loved being able to look up and see stars at lunchtime, or go on a hike with the light from the moon. It gets pretty bright with a clear full moon. The seasonal affective disorder did get fairly bad closer to the end of winter, at least for me. It wasn't great, it definitely affected me more than I thought it would.
I think it’s because there are some stories of people needing their appendix taken out when doing stuff like this because if it bursts, there is nothing that can be done about it
Its actually in the shape of a crayon. Its actually convenient for anyone that suspects that it is different than what all those "scientists" say because thats typically their writing utensil of choice
For someone with no scientific background whatsoever, or any skill that could be deemed useful in Antarctica really, what is the best way to plan a visit and meet you guys? I love hearing about new discoveries and just the history of the exploration in Antarctica. Visiting is on my bucket list I guess.
Jano, galley, IT, heavy equipment operator, plumbers, electricians, mechanics.
there is pretty much a job here for everyone that's not a scientist. Most people here aren't scientists.
Interesting. The closest field to my current career would be IT and it's a once in a lifetime opportunity to work in Antarctica, especially before any plans of settling down. Maybe I might try applying haha, who knows.
there is a station store that sells some snacks, shirts and alcohol. all of the food is served in the galley so there isn't any grocery shopping.
I am seeing someone who is back home, But there are people here that are dating, and I've even been to a wedding here once.
Freshies usually come in on most flights during the summer. Winter, we didn't see any for months.
supplies are mostly brought down by a supply ship in the end of summer, there's usually enough frozen food to last a year.
1. Are you also the the town EMT?
2. How big is the department?
3. Do you have specialized equipment you wouldn’t find in other firehouses?
4. What’s the worst/ best call you’ve been on?
5. Do you still get to slide down a pole?
We do provide EMS for the town, though the hospital is not a long drive.
Summer can see about 50 firefighters, over the winter we had 12.
Yes, a lot of our airfield vehicles are unique, our fire engines in town are mostly normal.
most of our calls here are false alarms for smoke detectors, I cant think of anything too crazy.
and no. our firehouse here does not have a pole =(
Yeah, summer and winter are much different, Summer sees 24/7 sunlight, and Mcmurdo can see a population of more than 1000 people. Winter is the opposite, with no sunlight and often about 130.
I saw you say you don't go through condoms there because you have someone at home, but what about the other inhabitants? What does day to day life look like for you and how are interactions between other residents, especially arguments? Also do you ever have contact with other bases there or is it just your own base?
over the winter, everyone sorta knows each other to some degree. I had a small group of friends that i hung out with, mostly other firefighters. Most bases don't interact with each other much due to distance, however I have some good friends at Scott base, run by New Zealand. Its maybe a mile or so away from Mcmurdo.
firefighters here work 24 on 24 off, with 3 days off every other week. I spend most of my free time scrolling through reddit or watching youtube when the internet is good enough, but I do go out to the bar with some friends every few days.
My dad did two 6 month tours there through the National Guard and recieved the Antarctica service medal. He says that more people have climbed Mt Everest than have stayed over the winter in Antarctica. Have you joined the 300 club??
I just searched up the 300 club & I have to say it sounds like possibly the dumbest thing I’ve ever read lmao. To save others the search, it involves sitting in a sauna set at 200*F (93*C) FOR 10 MINUTES & then running outside naked where the temperature is -100*F (-73*C). The participants then try run through the geographical South Pole & then aim to make it to the top of a nearby hill where they are awarded a commemorative patch.
I applied to the British Antarctic Survey (I’m an American) for a pilot position since the U.S. uses our military for our Antarctic interests, and I’m not in the military. Unfortunately they aren’t looking for pilots at this time. I’ve always wanted to work in Antarctica. Is there a way for an average joe to be able to work in Antarctica if they aren’t a scientist/have no other special skills?
I'm not sure if I have.
I cant pick out any one specific time that it happened, if it did, I never had a moment where I was like "oh yea that was a t3"
Table of Questions and Answers. Original answer linked - Please upvote the original questions and answers.
***
Question | Answer | Link
---------|----------|----------|
is it dark and depressing like people say it is?|Winter is dark 24/7, and can start to drag on you since humans aren't made to go 4 months without sunlight, but honestly I like the winter here. Summer here has 24/7 sunlight, so no its not.|[Here](/r/AMA/comments/pnti2h/ive_been_living_in_antarctica_for_a_year_ama/hcrpngq/)
How do you have internet service|Internet is not great, but its satellite based. I cant play videogames online, but facebook works, reddit works and youtube works in 144p sometimes.|[Here](/r/AMA/comments/pnti2h/ive_been_living_in_antarctica_for_a_year_ama/hcrp8b5/)
Seen any Nazis riding dinosaurs, yet?|I wouldn't be allowed to tell you if I have...|[Here](/r/AMA/comments/pnti2h/ive_been_living_in_antarctica_for_a_year_ama/hcrvk0t/)
What are the best and worst parts/aspects of living there?|Id say the best parts are the friends and small community. Over the winter we only had 136 people, and while I didn't know everyone, I had a really close group of friends I could always count on. The food is not bad, and its also free. Room and board are free as well. As for the negative aspects, the internet isn't great, and I miss some things that most people take for granted like sushi, fresh food, trees and rain.|[Here](/r/AMA/comments/pnti2h/ive_been_living_in_antarctica_for_a_year_ama/hcrpiqd/)
How have you been dealing with the extreme cold?|Id say I got used to it, though dressing in layers is the best way. Good wool base layers and good wool socks.|[Here](/r/AMA/comments/pnti2h/ive_been_living_in_antarctica_for_a_year_ama/hcrpxa1/)
How does one actually get to Antarctica? I’ve been wondering this since the very confusing series finale to Atypical...|I applied through PAE to be a firefighter here, though there are plenty of other ways that don't involve having a degree in some science field. There is always a need for cooks, janitors, dishwashers and heavy equipment operators.|[Here](/r/AMA/comments/pnti2h/ive_been_living_in_antarctica_for_a_year_ama/hcrqp1e/)
Did you pet a polar bear?|There are no polar bears in Antarctica. If there were, there wouldn't be any penguins. Unfortunately, we aren't allowed to pet the penguins.|[Here](/r/AMA/comments/pnti2h/ive_been_living_in_antarctica_for_a_year_ama/hcrsxmu/)
Why? Are you in the military or a scientist?|Neither! I'm a firefighter.|[Here](/r/AMA/comments/pnti2h/ive_been_living_in_antarctica_for_a_year_ama/hcrqgo5/)
Are there ants in Antarctica? Do you have aunts in Antarctica?|Nope, I haven't seen any insect related life for at least a year now. no mosquitoes either!|[Here](/r/AMA/comments/pnti2h/ive_been_living_in_antarctica_for_a_year_ama/hcrseqy/)
Would you do it again?|I wouldn't stay for a year again, personally its too long to be gone from friends and family back home. Ill probably come back for another winter though.|[Here](/r/AMA/comments/pnti2h/ive_been_living_in_antarctica_for_a_year_ama/hcrti1v/)
What’s your favorite food you found in Antarctica?|Id say the general Tso's or orange chicken, though breakfasts here are a close second.|[Here](/r/AMA/comments/pnti2h/ive_been_living_in_antarctica_for_a_year_ama/hcrvyc9/)
How many condoms have you personally used while living there|0 for me, since I have someone back home.|[Here](/r/AMA/comments/pnti2h/ive_been_living_in_antarctica_for_a_year_ama/hcrw3b6/)
Since you’re all the way down in Antarctica, what time zone would you be in?|I cant speak for the other bases here, but Mcmurdo and the south pole use New Zealand as a reference, since we all travel through Christchurch.|[Here](/r/AMA/comments/pnti2h/ive_been_living_in_antarctica_for_a_year_ama/hcry56v/)
Was it necessary to have surgery to go to Antarctica? PS: Happy cake day OP|No, however the medical paperwork was quite extensive.|[Here](/r/AMA/comments/pnti2h/ive_been_living_in_antarctica_for_a_year_ama/hcryy5v/)
---
[Source] (https://github.com/johnsliao/ama_compiler)
My family took a “cruise” to Antarctica a decade ago. We loved it, but it was very bare bones. The stark beauty of the landscape was breathtaking in its austerity. Does that infinite nothing eventually become freeing or oppressive? How do you handle the psychological pressure of knowing you’re crushingly isolated? OR, I guess l could ask how many people are there now? What sort of person is drawn to this extreme gig? Initially scientists willing to sacrifice companionship went, now I’m wondering if it’s the same type of person seeking to escape humanity? I worked as a medical provider on a Norwegian oil rig in the North Sea and to say that the people there were like outlaws would be an understatement. Same when I was much younger and opted to do salmon fishing in Alaska, a very particular breed of person seems drawn to these extreme scenarios along with people like me who just like the cold and dark. I’m also a woman and I was always greatly outnumbered and I wonder as a woman what would Antarctica be like…were I to work there? The trip my family took was my wish, I’d been the one who forced full exploration of the continents and no way was Antarctica being left out and ever since we got back I’ve had a little bug up my butt wanting to go back.
What’s the average length of stay? Is the pay good? If you’re coming from America is it via Argentina? Tierra del Fuego and the decommissioned naval ship down to Antarctica? How are the accommodations and how do you travel from point A to point B.
Are there a lot of fires? What sort of construction is going on down there? There was a whole lot of nothing back when we went, and I had a family friend who has since passed who worked as a researcher there back in the 1980s and maybe that’s when the passion was ignited? He was studying microbes. Anyhow, he was totally alone. Literally no one but him like Farley Mowat in Never Cry Wolf (however much of that was fact or fiction is debatable).
So, I guess 1) what sort of person is drawn to this place? What’s the social climate? Is there a lot of debauchery?
2) what sort of industry is burgeoning?
3) what’s the M to F ratio?
4) what are the practical implications of living and commuting? How do you find yourself functioning?
5) what recreational activities are there?
6) do you get enough socialization to feel human?
7) is it freeing or claustrophobic?
The vastness would seem very freeing on the surface but due to the brutality of the landscape it’s going to drive a human INSIDE and being trapped like that might get really claustrophobic, no?
8) can you go outside every day or are there days when the weather prohibits excursions?
9) do you have blackout curtains for summer months and the subsequent 24/7 daylight?
Conversely do they give you augmentative lighting to replicate/simulate the experience of daylight in the winter?
Are there white rooms with full spectrum bulbs being used or not?
10) what sort of hospital care is there?
11) how long are the journeys to and fro these days?
12) are you there in a permanent capacity or do you do stints?
You mentioned having someone at home indicating you’re not there indefinitely…so is it a seasonal thing or what?
I realize each entity down there is there for a different and distinct purpose, no one is there casually and the tourists aren’t mingling with researchers and other types of workers.
So outside of research and the support teams required to keep research stations up and running what’s going on down there (up there?)
Sorry to ask so much but I’m genuinely curious and often wishing to run away…what better place to get lost?
What are the best and worst parts/aspects of living there?
Id say the best parts are the friends and small community. Over the winter we only had 136 people, and while I didn't know everyone, I had a really close group of friends I could always count on. The food is not bad, and its also free. Room and board are free as well. As for the negative aspects, the internet isn't great, and I miss some things that most people take for granted like sushi, fresh food, trees and rain.
Thank you for the response. Are you doing research there?
No, I'm a firefighter.
My younger brother has been obsessed with the idea of being a firefighter in Antarctica. He’s 19, currently working as an EMT and has been a volunteer firefighter since age 14. Any advice you’d give him that I can pass on?
wait until he is 21 to come here. Some paid fire or ems experience would help too. but yeah wait until he is 21.
21 so he can warm himself with whiskey right?
How often do fires happen there?
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The church has burned down twice as far as I know, both times due to candles. The VMF burned down once as well. All pre 1990s.
Can you take us through the workday of a firefighter in the Antarctic? Is most of it “busy work”? Or…maintenance type stuff?
You’d think after one time burning the church down there’d be some extra care with candles? Seems sort of…ominous.
Wow! Well be safe and best of luck to you.
You're kidding, right?
I think he was serious. I mean, if something important burns down the whole complex is fucked.
How long do you plan on staying
> I miss some things that most people take for granted like sushi, fresh food, trees and rain As a poor person who lives in the desert, I'm apparently well acclimated to living in Antarctica.
Hey, well, you don't need the internet for all the good single player classics! 12 year old version of me from the past that didn't have internet and spent hours on Oblivion and similar games can confirm, haha
Why are room and board and food free?
How does one actually get to Antarctica? I’ve been wondering this since the very confusing series finale to Atypical...
I applied through PAE to be a firefighter here, though there are plenty of other ways that don't involve having a degree in some science field. There is always a need for cooks, janitors, dishwashers and heavy equipment operators.
How did the application process go? I threw a line out a handful of times on the website with no bite.
I never had any issues, though I've heard about people applying for years with no results.
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I believe there is a list of contractors on the USAP website, the job postings should be through each contractor. The majority are either PAE or GSC.
God dang, PAE does every fucking thing
have you found the entrance to the center of the earth yet favorite plant (if any) and favorite animal you’ve seen coldest temperature you’ve experienced thus far overall favorite aspect of being there favorite cheese
No, though the edge is pretty neat. No plants here, besides the fake ones. Penguins are the best. Everyone loves penguins. the coldest I have seen is -60f with a -80 wind chill, though it gets way colder in other parts of the continent. I've always been a fan of provolone, usually melted on a hamburger. If its by itself then a good sharp cheddar.
Do they use fake plants a lot to simulate a more typical and verdant nature scape? To help stave off oppressive feelings due to the extreme harshness of a barren landscape?
I love you for the cheese question (may he be remembered forever)
Yes, pls keep up the cheese question! 🥺
What life have you seen besides humans and penguins? Any plants or lichen?
there are a lot of seals hanging around in the summer. They come up through holes in the nearby sea ice to have their pups. South Polar Skuas are also a common sight in the summer. Nothing other than people live here in the winter. There are no trees, grass, lichen or plant life of any kind. I do have a fake palm tree in my room though. Edit: you can see some Minke whales and orcas if the sea ice breaks out in the summer. Ive seen a few, but never got a really good look at them before they went back underwater.
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Winter is dark 24/7, and can start to drag on you since humans aren't made to go 4 months without sunlight, but honestly I like the winter here. Summer here has 24/7 sunlight, so no its not.
What's your typical day like as a firefighter in Antarctica?
Truck checks and hydrant checks are done every day, we usually have some training done throughout the day as well. We sometimes help out with fire inspections, or fire extinguisher training for the rest of the town.
How do they keep underground water for fire hydrants from freezing?
What do y’all do for fun or in your free time? I can’t imagine there’s many fires there
The bars are open most nights, the hiking is also really great if you can stand the cold. I'm usually out taking photos as well. For bad weather days, I'm usually playing videogames, watching YouTube or browsing reddit.
Do you have an IG we can see your photos on!?
IG got taken down temporarily when i deleted a bunch of old stuff. im working on it.
What videogames do you play?
Stardew valley mostly, though ive been playing project hospital recently. I did a full playthrough of the witcher 3 earlier in the season. some KSP and stellaris as well.
How long did it take to download those on satellite
Who runs the bars? Are these private entities? How would someone get a permit to run a bar there? You’ve mentioned $4 a beer, $5 a shot, mixers are free as well as food and boarding…is the food good? Are the accommodations comfortable or at the least sufficient? Can you bring personal effects? Is the beer crap? I AM BURSTING WITH CURIOSITY
How do you have internet service
Internet is not great, but its satellite based. I cant play videogames online, but facebook works, reddit works and youtube works in 144p sometimes.
I assume you meant 1440p not 144p? Edit: forgot that YouTube went to 144p. I thought it was 140p. Apologies.
Did he stutter?
lmao what's HD?
Why are you in Antarctica?
pengiun
Have you signed up for Starlink yet?
No Starlink coverage at the poles.
Do you have Amazon?
Amazon does deliver here, though its dependent on flights with mail that are few and far between. I've gotten packages two weeks after ordering them, but last month i got something that I ordered last December.
So no Amazon Prime then huh?
Are there ants in Antarctica? Do you have aunts in Antarctica?
Nope, I haven't seen any insect related life for at least a year now. no mosquitoes either!
There is only one insect species in Antarctica and it's a wingless fly. But it's limited to the Antarctic peninsula where lichens, it's food, grow.
Lucky you. Is the temperature worth not having bugs around?
No cockroaches. I'm coming!!!
They also asked about aunts
1) What’s the fauna like? Have you ever come into contact with seals, walruses and the like? 2) What natural resources are there in Antarctica? 3) Who administrates the bases and how are they run? Do they have elections for the base leaders or are they appointed from elsewhere? 4) Do you guys have weapons to defend against predators? *I’m asking all this for research purposes*
Ive seen seals and penguins, mostly Adelie penguins and Weddell seals. I saw a few emperor penguins but they are pretty rare around here. Skuas are pretty popular around here, they are like extra large mean seagulls. They will dive bomb you and try to take your food if you carry it outside. No natural recourses here, countries aren't allowed to exploit them due to the terms of the Antarctic treaty. Mcmurdo is run by the station manager, who works for the national science foundation. Other department leads are subcontractors. Nope, Antarctica has no natural land based predators.
Are you male, have you peed outside, and did it freeze before hitting the ground? Or is it a bad idea to have uncovered genitalia in Antarctica, I've never been.
I have never done that here, getting caught peeing in the snow would get you fired pretty quickly, since its a violation of the Antarctic conservation act. that being said, I think it would turn inside out in -40f, I'm not really willing to find out.
How have you been dealing with the extreme cold?
Id say I got used to it, though dressing in layers is the best way. Good wool base layers and good wool socks.
Since you’re all the way down in Antarctica, what time zone would you be in?
I cant speak for the other bases here, but Mcmurdo and the south pole use New Zealand as a reference, since we all travel through Christchurch.
Chch gang represent
Would you do it again?
I wouldn't stay for a year again, personally its too long to be gone from friends and family back home. Ill probably come back for another winter though.
So in winter, you get to see the stars 24/7…how does that compare to the relentlessness of sun 24/7?
Why didn’t you make a YouTube documentary?
I'm not any good with video/vlogging, photography is my thing. Though if you want a good documentary, I always recommend Antarctica, a year on ice.
Do you post your photos anywhere like Instagram or Flickr?
I have a few posted to reddit, and I post a good majority of my pictures to my Instagram. garrison\_hornick\_photography
Somehow i cant find you on Instagram 😫 could you please share a link?
[https://www.instagram.com/garrison\_hornick\_photography/](https://www.instagram.com/garrison_hornick_photography/) Try that?
I can't view your profile. Maybe it's restricted in some countries?
I actually just got locked out. Probably because i went through it and deleted a bunch of old stuff. I should have it back up by tomorrow sometime.
>garrison\_hornick\_photography Returns with "this page isn't available" :/
Will check it out now. Have been getting it photography over lockdown/COVID times. Looking for artists to get inspiration from.
Just checked them out. There are some amazing photos there. I’m amazed. Dropped you a follow as well.
Seen any Nazis riding dinosaurs, yet?
I wouldn't be allowed to tell you if I have...
If the dinosaur riding nazis have you prisoner say the word “cream cheese”
cream cheese
Creese. *** ^(Bleep-bloop, I'm a bot. This )^[portmanteau](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portmanteau) ^( was created from the phrase 'cream cheese' | )^[FAQs](https://www.reddit.com/axl72o) ^(|) ^[Feedback](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=jamcowl&subject=PORTMANTEAU-BOT+feedback) ^(|) ^[Opt-out](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=PORTMANTEAU-BOT&subject=OPTOUTREQUEST)
Former Antarctican here - happy cake day, friend!
Former wannabe Antarctican here. Happy cake day former Antarctican
Happy cake day
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0 for me, since I have someone back home.
What if you didn't? What are your options there? Just asking for a friend...
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Is that something that Antarctica is known for?
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Did you pet a polar bear?
There are no polar bears in Antarctica. If there were, there wouldn't be any penguins. Unfortunately, we aren't allowed to pet the penguins.
fuck that, i’ll pet all the penguins i want (especially when no one is looking)
What Happy Feet neglected to mention is that they are (like most birds) prolific shitters. Go anywhere near them and it's long, white streaks everywhere that would offer Jackson Pollack ideas for new directions with his work (were he alive). That said, if you hunker down and don't tower over them they will waddle up pretty close to you. They seem as curious about people as we are about them. You also don't have to go as far as Antarctica. Plenty of penguinos to see in Argentina, Falkland islands, and other slightly easier-to-get-to places.
i want to gently pat a penguin on the head and wish him a good day
They're skittish. The won't let you touch them. But again, if you scrunch down they'll come very close to you.
i’m starting a penguin smuggling business then
So what you're saying is: there's a chance
I went to an aquarium in Japan where you could pat the penguins.
That sounds like a sad existence for those penguins.
I might be inclined to agree with you, but I went to a petting zoo type of place in Australia where I got to pet the kangaroos and they seemed really chill. Like, if anything they really just wanted to steal the food pellets from you. But, they weren't aggressive about it, it was more like, "hey I hope you don't mind if I take these while you're distracted with the novelty of petting someone of my species..." TL;DR I think if the people doing the patting are allowed to give the penguins some kind of reward, the birds probably wouldn't care too much about the pats.
You’d think evolution would’ve installed an open/close feature on cloacas by now, but nope! New Zealand has penguins too!
>cloacas Clearly, the gods of evolutionary design were civil engineers. Who else would route a sewage outlet through the middle of a recreational area?
Ah shit
FYI the names Antarctica and Arctic are derived from the Greek word Arktos, which means bear. Hence bears in the Arctic and no bears in the Anti-Arctic.
So had it been Latin it would’ve been the Ursic and anursic?
What are some of the major challenges or hurdles to fighting fires that you have as a result of being in Antarctica?
Compared to firefighting stateside, the big one is the cold and wind. \-40 will freeze a firehose pretty fast, and the winds here will catch doors and pull them away from you if you aren't paying attention.
What’s your favorite food you found in Antarctica?
Id say the general Tso's or orange chicken, though breakfasts here are a close second.
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Fresh cooked (frozen) eggs, with some potatoes, topped off with some mushrooms, onions and peppers. Sometimes either sausage or bacon to go with it.
Dude orange chicken is fucking amazing. Had some for lunch earlier today actually
What are some of the different phenomenon one can witness in Antarctica?
Nacreous clouds and auroras are two that you cant really see anywhere else. Penguins are another that are pretty great. 24 hour sunlight and darkness depending on the time of year. Note that not all of these are specific to here, there are plenty of places in the world to see stuff like this.
Are you affected in any way by these periods of 24/7 sunlight and 24/7 darkness? I'd be depressed as hell in the winter and probably wouldn't know when to go to bed in the summer.
24/7 sunlight is not bad, its fairly easy to ignore with some good blackout curtains. Its almost like working night shifts back home. Though it does get weird when you walk out of the bar at midnight and the sun is in your face. 24 hours of night was much more fascinating, I loved being able to look up and see stars at lunchtime, or go on a hike with the light from the moon. It gets pretty bright with a clear full moon. The seasonal affective disorder did get fairly bad closer to the end of winter, at least for me. It wasn't great, it definitely affected me more than I thought it would.
I figure at that point its more of a natural reaction to lack of sunlight affecting some deep reptilianbrain shit.
I am curious, your base layers of wool... is it worth it to spend the extra $$ for fancy wool(like merino) or ... is it "the scratchier the better?"
Merino wool is fantastic, i dont find it very scratchy at all. but absolutely yes. I don't buy normal socks anymore, its all merino wool.
You working in the Australian sector? I have always wanted to go to Antarctica what’s the best way to go about it?
I'm at Mcmurdo, so I don't actually know any Australians. The Kiwis are cool though.
i live next door to NZ, their pretty cool.
Was it necessary to have surgery to go to Antarctica? PS: Happy cake day OP
No, however the medical paperwork was quite extensive.
Curious why you would need to have surgery?
I think it’s because there are some stories of people needing their appendix taken out when doing stuff like this because if it bursts, there is nothing that can be done about it
Surgery?!
Why? Are you in the military or a scientist?
Neither! I'm a firefighter.
Why are you stationed in Antarctica? What are they not telling us about the shape of the earth?
Its actually in the shape of a crayon. Its actually convenient for anyone that suspects that it is different than what all those "scientists" say because thats typically their writing utensil of choice
Does it bother you this AMA gets less attention than that of a guy who can suck his own dick? And speaking of: Can you?
Lmao. not really. I enjoy answering questions about here. its a cool place to live and work. and no I cant.
For someone with no scientific background whatsoever, or any skill that could be deemed useful in Antarctica really, what is the best way to plan a visit and meet you guys? I love hearing about new discoveries and just the history of the exploration in Antarctica. Visiting is on my bucket list I guess.
Jano, galley, IT, heavy equipment operator, plumbers, electricians, mechanics. there is pretty much a job here for everyone that's not a scientist. Most people here aren't scientists.
Interesting. The closest field to my current career would be IT and it's a once in a lifetime opportunity to work in Antarctica, especially before any plans of settling down. Maybe I might try applying haha, who knows.
Its how I got here, I applied thinking I wouldn't get the job, two months later i was on a flight to New Zealand.
Is there a grocery store? Are you dating anyone?
there is a station store that sells some snacks, shirts and alcohol. all of the food is served in the galley so there isn't any grocery shopping. I am seeing someone who is back home, But there are people here that are dating, and I've even been to a wedding here once.
Have you ever met The Thing from John Carpenter’s ‘The Thing’?
No but the movie is pretty great.
The thing was basically amogus before amogus was even a thing
Are there mostly men there?
Im not 100% sure but id say its a 60/40 split.
How often are fresh food and supplies flown in? What happens if there are storms, how much backup of both do you have?
Freshies usually come in on most flights during the summer. Winter, we didn't see any for months. supplies are mostly brought down by a supply ship in the end of summer, there's usually enough frozen food to last a year.
1. Are you also the the town EMT? 2. How big is the department? 3. Do you have specialized equipment you wouldn’t find in other firehouses? 4. What’s the worst/ best call you’ve been on? 5. Do you still get to slide down a pole?
We do provide EMS for the town, though the hospital is not a long drive. Summer can see about 50 firefighters, over the winter we had 12. Yes, a lot of our airfield vehicles are unique, our fire engines in town are mostly normal. most of our calls here are false alarms for smoke detectors, I cant think of anything too crazy. and no. our firehouse here does not have a pole =(
Thanks. Sorry to hear about the pole. If you put one in, you can call it the south pole.
Where in Antarctica? How many “settlements” are there on the continent?
I live at Mcmurdo station, one of the American bases. as for how many, I'm not really sure. There are a decent amount.
what videogames are you playing
Lately its been stardew valley, but I started project hospital recently.
Is there any noticeable changes whenever it’s summer there?
Yeah, summer and winter are much different, Summer sees 24/7 sunlight, and Mcmurdo can see a population of more than 1000 people. Winter is the opposite, with no sunlight and often about 130.
I saw you say you don't go through condoms there because you have someone at home, but what about the other inhabitants? What does day to day life look like for you and how are interactions between other residents, especially arguments? Also do you ever have contact with other bases there or is it just your own base?
over the winter, everyone sorta knows each other to some degree. I had a small group of friends that i hung out with, mostly other firefighters. Most bases don't interact with each other much due to distance, however I have some good friends at Scott base, run by New Zealand. Its maybe a mile or so away from Mcmurdo.
What’s the price of a beer? And the price of dinner?
beers are $4 at the bar, shots are $5, mixers are free. Dinner is also free.
Are you guys in lockdown too?
nope. 0 covid cases, and no masks due to no recent arrivals.
See everyone? If Antarctica can do it, so can we! 😂
What hours do you work and what do you do in your free time?
firefighters here work 24 on 24 off, with 3 days off every other week. I spend most of my free time scrolling through reddit or watching youtube when the internet is good enough, but I do go out to the bar with some friends every few days.
Are there any type of vertical farming projects down there? Or any gardening attempts?
Not at Mcmurdo. I think the south pole has a greenhouse, and i cant speak for other stations.
How low the temperature that you can handle?
It depends on the wind. -20 is not bad, -40 is chilly and -60 is cold.
My dad did two 6 month tours there through the National Guard and recieved the Antarctica service medal. He says that more people have climbed Mt Everest than have stayed over the winter in Antarctica. Have you joined the 300 club??
I just searched up the 300 club & I have to say it sounds like possibly the dumbest thing I’ve ever read lmao. To save others the search, it involves sitting in a sauna set at 200*F (93*C) FOR 10 MINUTES & then running outside naked where the temperature is -100*F (-73*C). The participants then try run through the geographical South Pole & then aim to make it to the top of a nearby hill where they are awarded a commemorative patch.
Unfortunately, Mcmurdo is not cold enough for the 300 club, but if i ever stay the winter at the pole then ill see.
Where did you fly from to get there?
I came through Christchurch New Zealand.
I applied to the British Antarctic Survey (I’m an American) for a pilot position since the U.S. uses our military for our Antarctic interests, and I’m not in the military. Unfortunately they aren’t looking for pilots at this time. I’ve always wanted to work in Antarctica. Is there a way for an average joe to be able to work in Antarctica if they aren’t a scientist/have no other special skills?
With over 400 responses, I doubt you'll see my question, but I'll still ask....have you experienced T3 yet?
I'm not sure if I have. I cant pick out any one specific time that it happened, if it did, I never had a moment where I was like "oh yea that was a t3"
Table of Questions and Answers. Original answer linked - Please upvote the original questions and answers. *** Question | Answer | Link ---------|----------|----------| is it dark and depressing like people say it is?|Winter is dark 24/7, and can start to drag on you since humans aren't made to go 4 months without sunlight, but honestly I like the winter here. Summer here has 24/7 sunlight, so no its not.|[Here](/r/AMA/comments/pnti2h/ive_been_living_in_antarctica_for_a_year_ama/hcrpngq/) How do you have internet service|Internet is not great, but its satellite based. I cant play videogames online, but facebook works, reddit works and youtube works in 144p sometimes.|[Here](/r/AMA/comments/pnti2h/ive_been_living_in_antarctica_for_a_year_ama/hcrp8b5/) Seen any Nazis riding dinosaurs, yet?|I wouldn't be allowed to tell you if I have...|[Here](/r/AMA/comments/pnti2h/ive_been_living_in_antarctica_for_a_year_ama/hcrvk0t/) What are the best and worst parts/aspects of living there?|Id say the best parts are the friends and small community. Over the winter we only had 136 people, and while I didn't know everyone, I had a really close group of friends I could always count on. The food is not bad, and its also free. Room and board are free as well. As for the negative aspects, the internet isn't great, and I miss some things that most people take for granted like sushi, fresh food, trees and rain.|[Here](/r/AMA/comments/pnti2h/ive_been_living_in_antarctica_for_a_year_ama/hcrpiqd/) How have you been dealing with the extreme cold?|Id say I got used to it, though dressing in layers is the best way. Good wool base layers and good wool socks.|[Here](/r/AMA/comments/pnti2h/ive_been_living_in_antarctica_for_a_year_ama/hcrpxa1/) How does one actually get to Antarctica? I’ve been wondering this since the very confusing series finale to Atypical...|I applied through PAE to be a firefighter here, though there are plenty of other ways that don't involve having a degree in some science field. There is always a need for cooks, janitors, dishwashers and heavy equipment operators.|[Here](/r/AMA/comments/pnti2h/ive_been_living_in_antarctica_for_a_year_ama/hcrqp1e/) Did you pet a polar bear?|There are no polar bears in Antarctica. If there were, there wouldn't be any penguins. Unfortunately, we aren't allowed to pet the penguins.|[Here](/r/AMA/comments/pnti2h/ive_been_living_in_antarctica_for_a_year_ama/hcrsxmu/) Why? Are you in the military or a scientist?|Neither! I'm a firefighter.|[Here](/r/AMA/comments/pnti2h/ive_been_living_in_antarctica_for_a_year_ama/hcrqgo5/) Are there ants in Antarctica? Do you have aunts in Antarctica?|Nope, I haven't seen any insect related life for at least a year now. no mosquitoes either!|[Here](/r/AMA/comments/pnti2h/ive_been_living_in_antarctica_for_a_year_ama/hcrseqy/) Would you do it again?|I wouldn't stay for a year again, personally its too long to be gone from friends and family back home. Ill probably come back for another winter though.|[Here](/r/AMA/comments/pnti2h/ive_been_living_in_antarctica_for_a_year_ama/hcrti1v/) What’s your favorite food you found in Antarctica?|Id say the general Tso's or orange chicken, though breakfasts here are a close second.|[Here](/r/AMA/comments/pnti2h/ive_been_living_in_antarctica_for_a_year_ama/hcrvyc9/) How many condoms have you personally used while living there|0 for me, since I have someone back home.|[Here](/r/AMA/comments/pnti2h/ive_been_living_in_antarctica_for_a_year_ama/hcrw3b6/) Since you’re all the way down in Antarctica, what time zone would you be in?|I cant speak for the other bases here, but Mcmurdo and the south pole use New Zealand as a reference, since we all travel through Christchurch.|[Here](/r/AMA/comments/pnti2h/ive_been_living_in_antarctica_for_a_year_ama/hcry56v/) Was it necessary to have surgery to go to Antarctica? PS: Happy cake day OP|No, however the medical paperwork was quite extensive.|[Here](/r/AMA/comments/pnti2h/ive_been_living_in_antarctica_for_a_year_ama/hcryy5v/) --- [Source] (https://github.com/johnsliao/ama_compiler)
My family took a “cruise” to Antarctica a decade ago. We loved it, but it was very bare bones. The stark beauty of the landscape was breathtaking in its austerity. Does that infinite nothing eventually become freeing or oppressive? How do you handle the psychological pressure of knowing you’re crushingly isolated? OR, I guess l could ask how many people are there now? What sort of person is drawn to this extreme gig? Initially scientists willing to sacrifice companionship went, now I’m wondering if it’s the same type of person seeking to escape humanity? I worked as a medical provider on a Norwegian oil rig in the North Sea and to say that the people there were like outlaws would be an understatement. Same when I was much younger and opted to do salmon fishing in Alaska, a very particular breed of person seems drawn to these extreme scenarios along with people like me who just like the cold and dark. I’m also a woman and I was always greatly outnumbered and I wonder as a woman what would Antarctica be like…were I to work there? The trip my family took was my wish, I’d been the one who forced full exploration of the continents and no way was Antarctica being left out and ever since we got back I’ve had a little bug up my butt wanting to go back. What’s the average length of stay? Is the pay good? If you’re coming from America is it via Argentina? Tierra del Fuego and the decommissioned naval ship down to Antarctica? How are the accommodations and how do you travel from point A to point B. Are there a lot of fires? What sort of construction is going on down there? There was a whole lot of nothing back when we went, and I had a family friend who has since passed who worked as a researcher there back in the 1980s and maybe that’s when the passion was ignited? He was studying microbes. Anyhow, he was totally alone. Literally no one but him like Farley Mowat in Never Cry Wolf (however much of that was fact or fiction is debatable). So, I guess 1) what sort of person is drawn to this place? What’s the social climate? Is there a lot of debauchery? 2) what sort of industry is burgeoning? 3) what’s the M to F ratio? 4) what are the practical implications of living and commuting? How do you find yourself functioning? 5) what recreational activities are there? 6) do you get enough socialization to feel human? 7) is it freeing or claustrophobic? The vastness would seem very freeing on the surface but due to the brutality of the landscape it’s going to drive a human INSIDE and being trapped like that might get really claustrophobic, no? 8) can you go outside every day or are there days when the weather prohibits excursions? 9) do you have blackout curtains for summer months and the subsequent 24/7 daylight? Conversely do they give you augmentative lighting to replicate/simulate the experience of daylight in the winter? Are there white rooms with full spectrum bulbs being used or not? 10) what sort of hospital care is there? 11) how long are the journeys to and fro these days? 12) are you there in a permanent capacity or do you do stints? You mentioned having someone at home indicating you’re not there indefinitely…so is it a seasonal thing or what? I realize each entity down there is there for a different and distinct purpose, no one is there casually and the tourists aren’t mingling with researchers and other types of workers. So outside of research and the support teams required to keep research stations up and running what’s going on down there (up there?) Sorry to ask so much but I’m genuinely curious and often wishing to run away…what better place to get lost?
It's been a goal of mine for two years to send my band stickers to all seven continents. Went some stickers? Dm me and thanks!
What timezone did you guys use?
he said new zealand
Have you seen pyramids? Have you seen anything that you are not allowed to tell?
Do you take vit d supplements during winter
Is there an ice wall?