Random Writings

As I write, the Christmas decorations have been taken down and the base has resumed normal life again. Mind you, the place was only lightly touched by the festive hysteria that occurs back home – we’re right in the middle of our busy season, so we can’t afford to take lots of time off! In fact we had Christmas Day and Boxing Day off, plus New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Christmas Day itself dawned under leaden grey skies (just like home!) and a light flurry of snow. After a slow and quiet morning, most of the base went off to the ski slopes and then returned for the full festive dinner at 5pm. I had to work, though – field parties still need a daily radio call – but a lot of people came up to the radio room to wish them a happy Christmas.
New Year provided an ideal opportunity to show off the finely-polished musical talents of the base to the various new arrivals. Two bands, a freshly-formed Summer Band and the veteran winterers Tepid Stan, performed to a packed Sledge Store and received a very warm reception from the assembled crowd. The following day dawned bright and clear with just a few people up and about by lunchtime, although many went out skiing or boating in the afternoon. It was very pleasant, and rather more relaxed than back home!

This entry was posted on Saturday, January 7th, 2006 at 7:30 pm and is filed under Antarctica.