Thursday, July 23, 2009

Fire & Ice

Hello everyone,

From 20090630-Sunsets

I saw the sun yesterday. I suppose if I had climbed the glacier over the last few days or perhaps hiked up to Terralab up on the hill I might have seen it sooner. But for me, it shined through the window for the first time yesterday morning just before noon. The wall lit up with shadows and sunlight and I had to pause my conversation to take an opportunity to stare out into it (for at least a few seconds). A few minutes later I was outside basking in it, and I swear it felt like a drug.

From 20090700-LateJuly

We haven't actually been in the darkness really at all if you get right down to it. Our shortest day was around 4 hours and those hours were fairly bright. On the other hand every morning and evening has been really dark and the day is never quite long enough.

One absolutely wonderful privilege we've had is an endless stream of amazing sunrises. I posted a few before, but I think it's only fair to let you all in on a few more :

From 20090630-Sunsets


From 20090630-Sunsets


From 20090630-Sunsets


From 20090630-Sunsets

Besides the sun, we've also had some interesting ice pass by:



From 20090700-LateJuly


From 20090700-LateJuly


From 20090700-LateJuly

Though we passed the solstice a month ago and the sun is now coming up over the glacier, the winter still hasn't fully set in. Our coldest month is yet to come, and with it we might even see the ocean around us freeze completely solid. Even if it doesn't we have a lot of cold snowy days headed our way.

It will be a long winter yet...

Monday, July 6, 2009

Pier Jumping

The last northbound ship left us on the morning of June 26th and along with it went the last of those who came with me southbound what seems like ages ago. The ship also carried away a few friends that were here before me as well as the guests who were here only for the port call. The rest of us are in it for the long haul until September. Our official number is now 16 after a few last minute deployments and re-deployments, and it's a solid group. Glad to be a part of it.

As is customary we all jumped off the pier in honor of our departing friends. It's just as cold as it looks, but nothing a quick (or not-so-quick) dip in the hot tub can't fix.


(video courtesy of Will Brubaker)


Seeing our friends standing at the railing waiving as they cruised off made me think about how hard it's going to be to leave when my day finally comes. Everything happens so quickly. We've all been thrown together here and it seems like we'll be here together forever, but one day we'll all step onto the ship and watch the station grow small on the horizon as we're carried away, while all of our friends on the shore will be waiving and screaming as they jump in the water. They'll later sprint over to the hot tub and chat about their future at Palmer Station.

I picture myself on that day on deck looking out to sea wondering if I'll ever see this magical place again.

Midwinter's Dinner

Pigroast!

I'm a bit late on the blogging, but I thought you should all know that we had a fabulous pig roast on Midwinter's day here at Palmer. We all got dressed up and set the galley up for some fine dining.

From 20090618-MidwintersDinner

From 20090618-MidwintersDinner

A few of our handy crew were able to rig up a fancy pig turner out of some belts and a carpenter's drill so we could chill indoors and watch the pig turn through the window.



From 20090618-MidwintersDinner

Succulent!
From 20090618-MidwintersDinner

The menu consisted of :
- Smoked Salmon Mousse
- Krill Bisque
- Asparagus Rouille
- Pommes Anna
- Roast suckling pig
- Fresh vegetable salads
- Quinoa with green peas, lemon, and mint
- Fresh baked country breads

From 20090618-MidwintersDinner


It was truly one of the finest meals I can remember. Kudos to the chef who once again was able to make me eat far more than was necessary or intended.

Happy Midwinter's Everyone!