The holiday season in Antarctica

  You would think that the holidays would be less stressful on a remote research base on a small island off a frozen continent where there are no shopping centers, cellphones, traffic, bills to pay, meals to cook, or annoying Christmas muzak pumped through every available speaker. This is not the case. We had a seven day work week in order to have a two day weekend, which leaves you pretty burned out. I have also been practicing with my bands every night to get ready for Icestock, a New Years day festival held annually at McMurdo. Also, I've been spending what's left of my free time in the woodshop building a project for MAAG, the McMurdo alternative art gallery, held every Christmas eve at the carp shop. On top of that, there have been a number of holiday parties at different work centers.
  Throughout all of this mayhem, I did find some time to get out around Ross Island and have some fun. I went on a tour of the pressure ridges where the Ross ice shelf meets the sea ice. Signup sheets for this and other tours randomly appear on the window of the rec office and fill up almost immediately. Luckily, my roommate works in the rec office and lets me know when these sheets go up.   A fascinating display of ice formations, the pressure ridges are also home to a group of seals, many of which were sleeping on the path.
  The week before, I skied out to Castle Rock, a large rock formation that has fantastic views of Antarctica. The same day, there was a research balloon launch. These giant balloons are used for all kinds of scientific studies which I do not come close to understanding. Gamma rays and stuff like that.
  Tonight I'm eating Christmas dinner with a bunch of carpenters in a rack tent behind the carp shop. It should be a fun time. Happy Holidays!