Launching the balloon with winds above 13 mph is pretty risky, so I usually wait until conditions ease. With the unusually warm temperatures of around 30 degrees Fahrenheit in the middle of the clouds, a thick layer of ice, called rime, forms on the tether line. During the balloon's descent, I have to wipe off all the ice so the spool doesn't jam the next time I have to launch. Thankfully, I haven't had to rely on that very often. After many meals, though, it's not unusual to hear enlightening discussions about one anothers' research and more general science.
Most people work at various huts scattered about the ice camp near the ship.
Some sites, though, require a half-hour snowmobile ride. Ice conditions have been changing quickly just around the ship as well. A new winding scenic route has to be taken to avoid new cracks in the ice formed the night before. It certainly keeps us alert. The Canadian Coast Guard crew has been taking good care of us.