March 3,

No matter what they say, you never get used to this constant unbearable cold. Just as you think the snow has passed and the sun might shine, the snow creeps back in. Being snowed in is no fun either. Sure, we've got the T.V. and VCR, but we've watched everything there is to watch several times over. The books that we have been supplied with are interesting enough but become dull the second or third time through. Oh,well. That's life.

Nothing out of ordinary happened today. It was just another day at the "office". I awoke and was greeted by the rare sight of a shining sun. After the long process of getting all my belongings for the day together, I rustled downstairs to see what was for breakfast. Just as I had expected, Chuck, our cook, was trying to use up the leftover batter from breakfasts past and made his specialty, pancakes. Along with the pancakes, he cooked up a tasty omelet type of dish.

After breakfast, we split up into our separate teams. My team was assigned to continue the tagging of the Adelies. Joe and I had been assigned to the same team. Of all the people on Palmer with me, Joe is probably my best friend. Since Joe and I were assigned to work along side each other, we had plenty of time to chat.

When my team had arrived at the beach, we split into groups of two to tag penguins more efficiently. Joe and I formed our own group. For the next several hours we chased and tagged the penguins. Chase, tag, chase, tag, chase tag, well you get the picture.

At lunch time, we boarded the transport back to the station. Upon homecoming, we were greeted by the scent of fresh meat. I had completely forgotten it was Monday, sub-sandwich day. I helped myself to my share of the rations and waited for everyone else to finish up there share.

After lunch, we gathered in the mess hall to share our activities. Julie's team went and measured more elephant seals. Rob's group got to check up on our friends, the giant petrels of South Rock. That was the only job I truly enjoyed. Those petrel always seemed glad to see me. What I am thinking! They're just birds. They couldn't care less if I was there or not. I must be losing it. To much Antarctica air I assume.

When discussion time was through, we had free time until the sun went down. Joe and I decided that we would go for a hike along the Blue Trail. This trail was two miles long. What made this trail better than the others was that about eighteen hundred meters into the hike, the trail took you past a beautiful view of the ocean.

Bedtime came quickly after the hike, so here I sit up on my bed writing about my day. I hope tomorrow will be more eventful then today. Oh well, it's about time for lights out so I had better stop writing. See you tomorrow journal.