South Dearborn graduate Colt Hummel is currently working in Antarctica. He shared his experiences on The 812 last month and we've encouraged him to keep us all updated.
Here is an article written by Hummel on December 11:
(ANTARCTICA) -- Working in Antarctica is truly one-of-a-kind, not just because it's at the bottom of the world, but also due to the unique challenges we face in this isolated environment.
Getting supplies here is no small feat; it takes a minimum of two years for larger items to arrive from Port Hueneme, CA. And even then, there's no guarantee that the stuff that can fit on a C-17 or LC-130 will make it down in a reasonable time frame. Upgrading our station infrastructure is a slow process, resulting in a mix of old and new technologies coexisting on the base.
For example, forget about smartphones; we're still using pagers and push-to-talk VHF radios to communicate down here, a throwback to a time before my own. We're just now phasing out HF radios that were around during the Vietnam War.
Personal packages take ages to arrive, leading to chaos if someone forgets something crucial. I had to MacGyver my way through a phone charger crisis by repairing the cable with tools from the communications shop where I work. It's a reminder that we're in a place where resourcefulness is key.
But it's not all outdated tech and slow deliveries. We've embraced the cutting edge too. The base now relies on Starlink for internet and the search and rescue teams used surface penetrating radar to maneuver across the ice without falling into crevices.
This brings its own set of challenges, making our everyday work far from ordinary.
When our team heads out into the field, we have to adapt on the fly. Just a couple of weeks ago, we hopped on a Bassler, a plane with a WW2 era air frame, to Allan Hills. Our mission? Installing a radio repeater in a location where scientists drill into 4.5-million-year-old ice to understand environmental changes over time. It's a tough spot – winds hitting 40-50 knots, temperatures well below zero.
Installing solar panels, repeaters, and antenna towers in these conditions is no joke. Some team members got frostnip despite wearing multiple layers and face covers, and phones died instantly in the cold. We had to use rocks and our bodies to anchor tools during the installation so they didn’t become sails in the high winds. It's the kind of work you can only find down here, and strangely enough, it makes for a fun day.
Beyond the challenges, I've had the chance to explore some stunning locations in the past month.
From the penguin colonies at Cape Crozier and Royds to checking out the massive Canada Glacier at the Lake Hoare camp to the panoramic views at Mount Newall, each location offers a unique perspective on Antarctica's wonders.
Outside of work, the limited entertainment options have sparked new hobbies. Learning to sew has become a practical skill for fixing up gear worn out by the harsh conditions. I even crafted a koozie from an old welder glove I found in our base's free store in my free time!
Making friends and diving into adventures, from birthday parties to trivia nights to live music put on by the town, it creates a sense of community that makes being here feel like a working adult's version of college – with the added bonus of living in one of the most extraordinary places on Earth.
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