Jan 18th – Day 19 on Ice

Weather today was similar to it has been; temps somewhere in the negative teens with a wind-chill near -40F, mostly sunny.

Today we updated the firmware of our readout electronics and are currently keeping a close eye on the telescope as we start our first observations. Dinner tonight was filet Mignon with asparagus risotto! mmm!

Tonight is the Carp Party, (hosted by the carpenters) which is one of my favorite on station because it’s a half inside, half outside party with dancing/food/beverages inside and outdoor games like ring toss, corn hole and some wood throwing game (? idk). I like having a bit of outdoor activities, especially on a nice day like today.

I brought down a black Frisbee for just this occasion!

Parties at South Pole are taken very seriously by the hosts. Annual traditions such as the carp party (and next weekend’s SPT Ladies’ Night) are sources of excitement down here, and no one wants to disappoint the station population. At Pole, the work week is 6 days, 9 hours per day for government contractors and generally 7 days a week for grantees (with wildly varying hours), so it’s nice to have a weekly event in which to relax and hang out with people outside of your department.

And with that – I’m off to the Carp Party – pics and stories to come…

Cheers!