Back in Mactown

Ok, ok this is wishful thinking. I took this shot back in October when the sun wasn't in such a high horizon all the time. Re-entering the world that is McMurdo was an amazing experience just the same. Landing at the permanent runway (the sea ice had gotten too thin to land on), again we get to greet the amazing view that is Ross Island with it's two large volcanoes, Mt. Discovery, an old inactive volcano and the range of mountains that no picture I have ever taken does justice to: The Royal Societies.

Back in the Carp shop, warm greetings make the experience come close to family. We've all been out at various camps and slowly we all trickle back in, and then back out again to close said camps. Morning meeting includes updates on our folks in the field and their trials and tribulations getting airplanes to land and bring them home.

Being in Mactown means a lot of different things for me. It means I will miss the wonderful cooks and other folks out at Byrd, as well as the space and the quiet that can be had few if any other places. It also means I can go to yoga class, go on hikes with friends, meet and greet the resident wildlife,

Adelie penguins and their footprints!

attend the annual art show, make my way back to other closer camps, and when inspired work in what is probably the nicest shop i've ever worked in. We have a very well set up shop full of all the necessary tools and plenty of scrap material laying around to satisfy the creative bug in all of us. Lately we've been using not only some hardwood, but also a great deal of old Jamesway tent arches and the ever present plywood. You would be amazed at what some folks make with plywood. Here are a few projects I've been working on.

It all started with a piece of graph paper and some scraps...

A little glue, patience, chisels, mineral oil and a lathe, and it's done!


Cherry pestle with maple/cherry/walnut mortar.




Some interesting ideas about how to stack scraps...


Turned out way cooler than I could have guessed! It's a bit on the small side, but I think this pin will roll well just the same!.




One of my longest standing projects. It has looked like a hundred different things, but finally I think this table is in it's final shape at the very least. Half sculpture on the wall, folding down to a small table. Detail still being worked out! This is made of old Jamesway arch.


Plywood bowl! Cut, built, and turned. Awaiting some finishing touches.


Coffee Table I am also working on. Also Jamesway arches.

I seem to have more inspiration than time, so unfortunately I am currently working on seven projects! Here's hoping they all make it out! I gotta go!