Dome sweet...Dome...?

Salutations,

Things are still going quiet and smooth during the night shift. I'm getting plenty to eat at Midrats and I still have time to get my work done.

However, the big event that's going to be happening this year at the Pole is going to be the demolition....uh.., I mean deconstruction of the Dome. The dome was the home for scientists, construction workers, galley hands and everyone else for over 3 decades at the South Pole. The dome itself was meant to house 33 people when initially built.

Over time, the population during the austral summer has grown to 250 people another facility was needed to house most of them. After the new station was built and dedicated in 2008, the old dome hung around but it wasn't as bustling as it was most likely back in the day. For my two seasons here, the dome has been used as a storage for the food on station. I also help out on occasion with the weekly food pulls from the dome to the galley.

For me, I probably won't miss the dome much compared to some the people who worked here for years and years. Still, it's always nostalgic when an important structure gets taken apart.

Take care everyone and if I don't write again soon, Happy Thanksgiving!!

Taking care of some business...and some pleasure.

Howdy,

Well, a little more than a week has passed and now I'm beginning to feel acclimated to the Pole. It was a rough first couple of days, but I managed to pull through. Now this means that I have to actually work now (swipes snapping finger hand). The night shift is moving quickly and quietly and I have gone and have done some workouts in the gym, taking it easy of course.

In the not too distant past, I did partake in the McMurdo Halloween party when I was over there longer than expected. I had a great time there. A little further in the past in February when I was in Christchurch, I attended a rugby match.

So these are some examples that everyone can have their moments when they work hard and play hard.

Cheers.

Better late than never. Made it to Pole.

This post it to let you know that I've made it as far south as I can go. I arrived yesterday and I kind of forgot how altitude plays a role in the Pole. I've been instructed not to do too much strenuous labor for the first couple of days. Last year, I didn't notice it as much, since I feel that I was on adrenaline over there. Now, maybe the physical and mental aspects are becoming a bit of a factor. I just have to remember to drink lots of water and not try to do wind sprints while I'm here.

Also, seeing some of the winterovers did give me a prespective on some before and after shots between vists. Some changes were very small, others were quite drastic.

That's all I have right now for my grand reappearance at the South Pole. I bring you up to date on any changes.