The Nathanial B. Palmer

When most people think of the US Antarctic
Program, they think of the stationary bases
of McMurdo, South Pole and Palmer Station.
Another integral part though are the science
research vessels, the Lawrence M. Gould and
the Nathanial B. Palmer. The Palmer, or the
Natty B. as it's also called is in port this
week and visible outside our window. We bag
dragged twenty grantees from the Palmer today
that will be flying to Christchurch tomorrow.
On Wednesday, Lynn and I are going to take a
tour of the ship that contains science labs,
offices and living quarters for the grantees
and crew. We took a tour of the ship a couple
of years ago and it was a lot of fun. I'm
sure it hasn't changed a lot, but it's still
cool to see something different and out of the
ordinary. It's not often you get a chance to
tour a world class science vessel.