May 17, 2006 – Campfire Songs, A Campfire on an Icebreaker? Options

[Patricia_Janes]

May 17, 2006 – And A Good Time Was Had by All
Longitude: 171 37.344 W, Latitude: 62 19.163 N

Ruth Cooper, the 5th grader onboard the Healy, knows how to have a good time. This evening, the Healy had its first ever campfire. Yes, campfire.

The event drew a crowd of about 40 Coast Guard crewmembers and scientists. Songs, jokes, and a talent show were the highlights. There were even makeshift s’mores with graham crackers, Hershey’s chocolate syrup, and marshmallow fluff.

There’s no need for me to say more: The pictures tell it all:


Captain Oliver leads the group in campfire songs. (Notice the campfire screensaver on the computer in the background: I made that.)


Lead scientists Lee and Jackie look like they are dancing the hula. But really they are showing off another talent: a sing-along with hand motions.


Jim, the Healy’s Operations Officer, steals the show as he keeps a stick aloft with fancy moves.


Ruth’s hidden talent? She is a karate master. Just look at that move!