Hi Friends,
This entry was scheduled before we left McMurdo. We do not have internet access in our field camp!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!! As I write this blog post the night before we're scheduled to leave for the Thomas Hills, I am already very, very excited about our Christmas celebration. I hope that as you read this you are enjoying a fantastic holiday season!
It is hard to believe, but we will be in the field less than a week before it is Christmas! Every meal we enjoy in camp begins with making water. Christmas will be no different. To make water in the field, we melt snow!
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| Seth gathering snow to make water. Note the crown! Last year and this year, I brought a set of Christmas Crackers for us all to pop open in celebration; the contents include paper crowns! |
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| Much of our time in the kitchen is spent minding a pot of melting snow while it comes to a boil, as Greg is demonstrating in this photograph. Dinner and breakfast cooking duties will rotate daily between team members. We burn Coleman fuel or "white gas" in Coleman camp stoves to make water and cook our meals. |
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| For the meat-eaters, Christmas dinner will be pan-roasted cornish game hens, stuffing, jellied cranberries, and vegetables! |
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| Part of my Christmas gifts will involve delicious treats! Here's Michael examining his chocolate bar he received from me last season. It had hot chili powder in it, which may be why he was confused. |
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Kat will enjoy a delicious vegetarian feast!
Gift-giving time! Last year, Kat made everyone neck gaiters. I am dying to know what she will give us this season!
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| Neck gaiters are designed to be worn around your neck to keep valuable heat close to your body. Michael and Seth are showing off an alternative, perhaps more stylish, use for the neck gaiter. I received a tiger-print neck gaiter as well, and I brought it back to use it again this season! |
Last year, Michael brought games for everyone which came in very handy during down days. This year, I took a cue from Michael and brought more games for Christmas, including a travel Pictionary game, Battleship, cribbage, and a Rubik's cube! |
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| Last year, I wrote an epic poem with four or five verses about each team member; I'm going to try to do the same this season! (Photo: Kat!) |
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| Last year, Kat baked soda bread. It was delicious! (Photo: Kat!) |
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| To use the oven, you simply place it on top of the stove burner and wait for the temperature to increase to the level indicated by the recipe! (Photo: Kat!) |
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| It works very well! (Photo: Kat!) |
Otherwise, we spent Christmas Day relaxing in camp; we will do the same this season!
Look for the next set of scheduled posts after New Year's Day. That week will feature guest entries from different team members. You will be impressed with my colleagues!
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to you all,
Claire
Claire, I can see that you were going to have a terrific White Christmas. We enjoyed a wet one here in Atlanta. We did wear crowns from our crackers like you. Thinking of you and your adventures. Much admiration. Heather
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