25 November 2017 Thanksgiving in McMurdo!

Thanksgiving begins with brunch. I awoke later than usual, a result of not having slept well the preceding nights due to the Icepod flights. My fitbit read 8:30am and I needed to get to brunch knowing I wouldn't be eating dinner until 5pm. The turkey trot check-in started at 9:30am with a race start of 10am. Brunch closes at 11 and I wasn't sure I would have the time or the desire to eat after the race. I headed to the galley. The weather was sunny and beautiful. It was 17˚F. Not too bad for a morning in Antarctica.

I had heard there would be costumes. I was figuring on a few tutus and turkeys, but had no idea there would be the variety and number of costumes that showed up. I was in a sea of penguins, seals, clowns, onesies and a plethora of others that are too numerous to mention. The snow fall from the previous day worried me wearing tennis shoes. It was slippery and I had already fallen earlier in the week in my hiking boots. I grabbed a pair of yak trax from the registration table at the last minute and fixed them to my shoes, though, not ever having worn them and in my haste to put them on, I didn't get one side on as I should have!

The race started and I was off. I immediately made my way to the back of the pack of runners! I am in no shape to run a 5k and haven't run one in two years, but I wasn't going to walk. The hills were tough, but I was taking them one foot fall at a time and climbed them all. I was happy to see the fire truck marking our turn around. The rest of the trip would be down hill! The views were fantastic and I picked up my pace. I could do this. The last turn was like being in a parade, so many bystanders cheering us on. I crossed the finish line, number 100. I ran (okay jogged very slowly) all of the route. I did it, a complete 5k in Antarctica at probably my slowest time ever, but I did it. I am certain there were not more than 120 on the route, so to finish at 100 is not really an accomplishment per se, but I did finish and didn't walk and with nearly 1000 people on station, I can at least say I got out there.

The station store had a 'garage sale' today as well. It really wasn't much of a sale. The items had been out since we arrived, there were just more of them. I shopped anyway! I have no idea where I am going to put the new items since my bags are no longer available, but, I will figure it out. I can always ship if I need to. Awaiting dinner, I did laundry, called my family and my researchers and I took a long hike, Hut Point Loop Trail. With the temp at 23˚ F and the sun shining this afternoon it was a great day to be outside. I would have enjoyed putting up Christmas decorations but I guess they will wait until next weekend. My family has assured me they left at least four trees for me to take care of!

The Thanksgiving meal is a big deal here. People dress up in their finest and bring wine and other beverages for the celebration. Typically this is not the norm, but today, perfectly acceptable. People start standing in line about 40 min prior to their sitting. I showed up 25 min early and was at about the 1/2 way point in the line. There are four sittings for the holiday meal, 3pm, 5pm, 7pm and midnight. The spread is extravagant. They serve roast turkey (of course) and ham, and literally every other dish you could possibly think of for a traditional Thanksgiving meal. I got the pumpkin pie I was hoping for! Some 900 lbs of turkey were made for the occasion and about as much in the way of potatoes, stuffing and ham. You could even take a container for leftovers if you had wanted to. I walked away plenty full and more than satisfied! The company was great and the time spent, while not with family, was still cherished. Much extra work goes into the preparation for the meal and so, more hands are needed. There is a volunteer list to help out with dish washing and other duties.

I am thankful, this holiday, thankful for the opportunity to be here. Thankful for my wonderful family who have supported me every step of the way and who are awaiting my return. I am thankful for my school, Nicolet, that didn't hesitate to send me on this journey despite my absence from the classroom and thankful for the substitute, Marisa, who has taken on my classroom duties and kept my students on track in their learning. I am thankful for a fantastic science dept. that has no doubt had to take on a bit extra in my absence. I am thankful for my outstanding students, parents and friends, many who have been following my journey. I am thankful to have a place to celebrate this day along with the food that was provided and thankful for a team that has welcomed my presence. I am thankful I had the ability to run, I mean jog, that 5k this morning. Life has been kind. I am thankful.