The Holidays

The holidays brings us here at the south pole two, two day weekends in a row, the race around the world, a snow sculpting contest, fashion show and of course some great meals cooked by the folks in the galley.

Christmas has come and gone. There was lobster tail and beef wellington served for dinner. So far the best meal I have had while here. After dinner there was dancing and general socializing. In the couple days leading up to the holiday there were many smaller parties held within work groups.

The day after Christmas brought the great Race Around the World! At 10 AM scores of polies dressed in everything from bikinis to flags gathered to run the 2.4 mile race that circled the dome, new elevated station and of course the geographic south pole.

The race includes floats pulled by bulldozers, snowmobiles and other vehicles. The floats consisted of a hot tub of beautiful women being pulled by a dragon spewing steam from its snout, a Roman chariot made of cable spools,an around the world themed float that showcased a Russian hot air balloon basket that was abandoned here and a stationary bike being pulled by a snowmobile.

Winners of the race were Curtis Moore (17:17) and Emily Thiem. Runners faced the brutal conditions of the south pole. The most difficult aspect being the cold air, second to that was the slippery loose snow surface. The loose surface made traction very difficult and forced runners into a more forward position. Despite the challenges over 20 people finished the 2.4 mile race.

Saturday evening there was a guest presentation from the photographer Stanley Greenberg. His current work and business at the south pole being physics machines and telescopes. The photographs covered fascinating subject matter bringing to light many of the labs and machines held deep within the earth or in the basements of universities.

The current work week will carry us into the new year with another two day weekend that will feature bands and a wearable art fashion show.