Cruising on the Polar Sea

On January 14, 2001, some members of the TopHat team got a rare treat, a 5 hour cruise on board the Coast Guard ice cutter, the Polar Sea. The Polar Sea is 399 ft. long and is tasked with cutting the sea ice every summer so that the supply ships can reach McMurdo Station with enough fuel and food for it to last through the winter season.

The ship docked before our departure.	The intrepid group of TopHat explorers.	The ice surrounding the ship prior to departure.
The view as we got underway.	Disturbing the sleep of a couple of seals.	The path stretched out before us.
When we got to cold there was plenty to amuse us indoors!
Gourmet water	Gourmet coffee	DeLee trying to hide...
Tammy trying to drive...	The captain hanging out, unconcerned.
Meanwhile, back outside...
Land getting further and further away until...	....there is nothing but icebergs!	Coming in to McMurdo.
Land!	Tired but happy.