Wind Record

A few days ago we broke a 29 year wind record when winds gusted to 107 knots (123 mph). The last record was 93 in June of 1990. All the buildings sounded like they were on an old train but nothing major happened to our infrastructure, just a few broken flags.

All this snow was blown away by the big storm. 

Treaty Inspection

 A ship carrying a Argentine and Chilean VIPs showed up for a "Treaty Inspection". Any country that has signed the Antarctic Treaty can show up to any other countries base and ask for a Treaty Inspections tour. This is to make sure that whichever station is being inspected is meeting the Antarctic Treaty requirements. This means you aren't dumping your trash in the harbor, drilling for oil, or hassasing the wildlife (and a bunch of other things but that's the jist of it). The inspection team was high ranking government officials from both countries and they got a very through tour of station and all the science, waste management, and logistics that happens here. They were very impressed with our operation.

 After the tour they left via helicopter!

 It was pretty neat to see a helicopter land in the backyard!  And since I can't have a post without a beautiful sunset or some wildlife:

Seals and Bergs

 The fur seals are back gallivanting around everywhere.

 A leopard seal came to check out our boat. They look at you like you are food.

Super neat to get this close, but also quite unnerving.