hot in hawaii

Flying over the International Dateline is a bit kooky. So, I had another Sunday. Ben and I decided to rent a car together. After heading through customs and immigration, we headed to the rental car office and hoped to get a vehicle slightly larger than the economy I had reserved. We got a Toyota Highlander SUV. Now some of you might be wondering what I was doing driving an SUV, but I assure you, this was the best option they could give us for all our gear for only $5 more per day! I was surprised she offered the upgrade to us, but now we can ride around with our rainbow plates, all our luggage and a pineapple in the back seat!

We accomplished quite a bit for just coming off a plane. The first stop we made was Pearl Harbor where we went on a submarine tour and then took a remarkable tour of the USS Arizona Memorial. It's a bit eerie to think of all those men still laying beneath us at the site of the boat! It is good that the awful events are remembered so people understand sacrifice and what it is to give up one's life for others. The short film, boat ride, and actual memorial visit were very well put together and informative for a free National Park tour.

After we had a bit to eat, we, each toting our cell phones that now actually work, began traveling around the island of Oahu. Our first stop was Halona Blowhole where we watched the sapphire blue waves crash the shore. The water is so powerful it pushes itself through a few spots in the rock.

We also stopped for a hike up Makapuu Point where we had a spectacular view of the sea cliffs, beaches, islands, light house, and water below. The scenery is beautiful. It's no wonders so many people come here for their holidays.

Next we stopped at a store for a few things to eat and a huge pineapple to share. I dropped Ben off at his campsite and parked our vehicle at the Waikiki Beach Hostel. I have three sweet roommates who are not noisy partiers which is a relief.

The morning stared early to pick up Ben. We got all his gear at the campsite and left quite quickly to find a beach on the North Shore. Ben took in a few views before choosing a place on the Banzai Pipeline to rent a surfboard. I ordered a bit of breakfast and enjoyed the sun while he was fitted for his gear. I think we both enjoyed that stop at the beach!

Ben had to get back to the airport to fly to Maui, so we headed down the west side of the island, making our last stop together at Pearl Harbor, again, to eat our humongous pineapple. We polished that juicy fruit off far too quickly; my tongue felt funny the rest of the day. I enjoyed eating the whole thing in Hawaii with sticky drips of juice on my arms to my elbows and my legs, too!

It was nice to have the company of a friend for a day of my travels. From the airport, and alone, I decided to brave downtown Honolulu on their state holiday, Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole Day. Traffic was not too bad and I went to the central market where some shops are set up. I purchased a couple souvenirs and my Waikiki Starbucks mug. It felt good to browse around and sped the early afternoon out and about. I drove then to the famous Diamond Head Crater where you drive into the crater and hike up the inside, up a trail, stairs, ladder, and through old military posts and lookouts. The hike was pretty nice and the view of Waikiki, Honolulu, and the Island was amazing. I'm glad I did it. I felt incredibly fit bounding up the stairs after being active for so long on the road (mostly from carrying my luggage all over the place)!

In the evening I walked down Kalakaua Avenue along the beach to the little shops. Returning towards the Backpackers I stayed at, I picked up something to eat, sat under the torches, watched people and hula dancers with live Hawaiian music, and other street performers strum and drum away on their instruments.

*favorite photos: the two surfboard pictures.

coastal cruising

I suppose a difficult part of traveling on my own is my indecisive nature. I have a difficult time picking and choosing my places to go. Today, by choice, or accident, I did pretty well.

I woke up dressed and ready to go, the first of three vehicles parked at the rest area to depart in the morning. My first stop was Lakes Entrance. I stopped initially to have a cafe breakfast with a cappuccino and my book. I ate at the Pelican Cafe and enjoyed peaches and scones.

From this spot, I drove another couple kilometers down the road to a bridge over one of the lakes. Right across this pedestrian bridge, flanked by pelicans, a large sand dune is all I hiked over to a beautiful view of the Tasman Sea. It was also the first time I was able to touch the Tasman! I dipped my feet in and allowed the bottoms of my capris to get wet! It felt amazing; sun on my shoulders, and sand between my feet.

After snapping some pictures and collecting some shells, I sped off towards Orbost where the Snowy River flows through. Since The Man from Snowy River was one of my favorites stories growing up (poem is linked), I had to make this stop. You can't miss it. In fact, you might think the town is named Snowy River, and not Orbost! I spent some time there walking through their park, talking with a visitor centre man, and checking my e-mail. I may have enjoyed shopping the quaint village some more, but I am running out of room in my bags for souvenirs! I am becoming adept tat making tuna, cheese, tomato, and avocado sandwiches and I slapped one together for lunch and promptly departed Orbost.

My plan was to scale Genoa Peak for the 360 degree view of the mountains to sea. However, I missed the turnoff and mistakenly drove to Mallacoota. This little fishing and boating village didn't have much to offer me, so I began the 25 kilometer drive back, only to find I had taken yet another wrong turn (one street too soon on the round-about). This, fortunately, led me to a remarkable beach where the river meets the aqua-marine waters of The Sea! I couldn't believe what a brilliant discovery I had made unintentionally! I felt much better about the 60 additional kilometers I drove! The beach had unique red rocks jutting out on it which were a great subject for pictures of the water. I sat atop one of them strategizing my next travel moves.

On the Obrost info-man's advice, I found the Fish 'n Chips place in Eden he recommended and did take-away there. The food was pretty good for fried stuff!

My hope was to find a place to sleep in Merimbula, but I missed that turnoff, so instead joined the Coastal Road at Tathra and picked a campground in the Mimosa Rocks National Park at Gillards Beach. Wouldn't you know, after seeing only two kangaroos this trip, today, at this camp, there were dozens of the critters and their wallaby-doo, too! The beach in this park is nice and I wish I had more time to spend on it, but I'm sure there are more beaches down the road. For now, I have another night in my tent with a bit of a breeze to dry out the fly. I just missed the park ranger, so it looks like another free night for me!

food, drinks, and driving

There are a few things that stick out on the food and drink menu in New Zealand that I will miss. First, there are the amazing deli treats from sandwiches to quiche and bakery items. It seemed that every café we visited had a unique selection of tasty goods with equally delicious coffees. Second, I discovered kumara. This sweet potato-esque root is quite flavorful; especially kumara chips (steak fries). I ate this bag ‘o fries for dinner one night; probably not the most healthy of indulgences, but I enjoyed every bite!

Speaking of indulgences, I definitely found myself addicted to the New Zealand chocolate. I heard people say their taste in chocolate changed after having New Zealand’s cocoa product. I packed my bag with chocolate bars to take home, it was so good! There is something about the smooth texture and perfect fruity flavor of the kiwi chocolate, or the rich milky flavor to the Cadbury Dairy Milk bar!

My favorite kiwi treat is pavlova. We occasionally had this item for dessert in Antarctica, so I hoped to find some in New Zealand. This temptation is a bit like a wafer and a bit like angel food cake with whipped cream and fruit on top. One of the things Jeremy and I had opportunity to do while I was in Auckland was attempt our own pavlova. We had a great time beating egg white lifeless and dumping in heaps of sugar. The pavlova is supposed to rise up in the oven and then “toast” a bit in the oven after the heat is turned off. Our pavlova did not quite make it up to the lofty heights we intended. In fact, we called it a pancake, or “American Pavlova” since it remained quite flat. When the project was complete, the end result was still tasty (what wouldn’t be with that much sugar)!

I also discovered some great beverages. Bundaberg’s Ginger Beer is an Australian product I hope to have more of while I’m on that continent. It’s a bit like ginger ale with more ginger (and no ale). L&P is a New Zealand flavored soda. I enjoyed both drinks though I have been staying away from the carbonation.

Then there is driving. Though, I maintain a sober mentality when it comes to alcohol, one might think I’ve had a few when I turn on the windshield wipers, rather than the turn signals. Driving from the right side of the car on the left side of the road has a different feel to it, but I caught on pretty quickly. It also helped that I spent 6.5 hours of driving time by myself returning our rental car on the south island. The only thing more complicated than thinking in the left lane, was driving Kirrin’s manual; shifting gears with my left hand. All for experience!

march 6

Day 8 began with a restful morning asleep, followed by a restful morning changing rooms casually, making breakfast and crocheting a hat (I haven’t yet ventured to try more than a hat). The days recently have been “slow down and catch up” days and I have certainly found ways to appreciate that. Here I am in Queenstown where bungy jumping was born and adventure sports abound, and I have simply enjoyed just sitting in our room, watching the world go by outside our windows!

After a couple cups of tea and finishing my hat, I did venture out to find a book of Maori myths and legends. I kind of hoped to find a children's book with colorful pictures that reflected Maori art. What I found was a paperback with 28 stories written by a whiteman and illustrated by one, too. However, this seems to be a gem (ie. I can't buy it from amazon.com in the states) and the first two stories I read capture the games of the Maori gods quite well. I liken them to the accounts of Native American beliefs and the epic adventures of the Greek gods. The writings are what children's bedtime stories are made of.

I spent some time in search of an ostrich burger today, as well. I never found one, but we have seen some ostrich farms and I am curious of the taste. Instead, Genevieve and I walked down to the Queenstown famous, Fergburger restaurant and indulged in one of their unique and flavorful fergburgers. They were quite large and scrumptious but still no comparison to the Bonzai Burger at Red Robin (Incidentally, I'm looking forward to dining with some of you back home there when I return to the states)!

Beyond those activities, I strolled downtown a bit, met up again with Marty and Kevin and saw a couple more Ice people. I am glad I had time to relax and reflect!

march 5

Waking up to fire in the sky was simply incredible. The sunrise was so vivid and bold this morning as it rose behind a cloud cover. The colors were extreme and then slowly pasteled out to morning's blue sky. They intensity of light on clouds had to be the most beautiful sunrise I've witnessed lately (perhaps more because I don't get up early often)!

No one (of the two cards to drive by our clandestine camp) asked us to move and we slept soundly all night. Quickly arranging the van appropriately for traveling again, we buzzed away to find a lauded breakfast spot in Garston. We arrived to find it closed on Mondays. Dismayed, we moved on towards Kingston and pulled into the Kingston Corner Cafe & Bar.

The food was a bit pricey for our backpacking wallets, but we made up for it in the time we spent journaling and writing postcards. The three of us have a pretty good trialogue, but we also do well at being quiet together. Over my delicious homemade quiche, mochaccino, and boysenberry & apple juice, I wrote a good amount and danced through the events of the past two weeks in my mind.

We continued our drive towards Queenstown. It's strange that Kingston is so small in comparison to his queen's tourism hot spot. Queenstown is located on Lake Wakatipu, and at our first glimpse of the Lake's southern shore, we stopped to take in the clear blue waters and ridge lines above it. After a couple such stops, we picked up a few groceries and checked into Pinewood Lodge. This place has to be one of the best backpackers for your buck! Their rooms are clean and offer a shared kitchen, living area, and bathrooms. They have lots of services available and are in walking distance of downtown Queenstown. The three of us got a 3-bed room for one night and tomorrow will move into a room where Kevin and Marty can join us as well.

After settling in, we took a walk downtown and searched out places to eat or sit for awhile. I indulged in a frappuccino at Starbucks and we walked along the water. We also ran into Maria, Candy, and Keegan from The Ice and spoke with them for awhile.

A delicacy this time of the year in New Zealand is the Bluff Oyster. This seasonal treat has been hard to come by after a few bad weather harvesting days, but we noticed a sign up for them at the Fishbone Bar & Grill. Four of us splurged and got three oysters each. They were quite tasty!

We had the three Ice folks over for a light supper of buns, cheese, crackers and fruit. I have found a new drink similar to ginger ale that I enjoy: Ginger Beer. I finished off a bottle and had a glass of wine before resting my weary head in a real bed!

*favorite photo: fire-like sunrise

march 4

We woke up in the van late. It is Sunday after all. We had a lose plan for the day which included heading back to Te Anua and camping somewhere our of town. After packing up our fly-ridden camp, we drove a bit over an hour back to Te Anua and found a quaint cafe and some brunch. The three of us sat and talked and watched the world go by on a Sunday mid-morning. This was the first place I came across filter coffee and they served us a bottomless cup.

J took off on another boat tour to the glow worm caves, so Genevieve and I got some groceries and postcards. We headed to the visitor's centre and walked around some. Genevieve became familiar with some of the birds in the area, we cleaned up the van, restored our water supply, and then I found a little spot by Lake Te Anua to hunker down and grind out a few postcards.

By the time J arrived back from his excursion, we felt like we'd accomplished a lot of rest. To top off the day I had kiwi frozen yogurt atop a scoop of orange chocolate chip on the bottom. Mmm.

To avoid the tourist town of Te Anua for another evening, we decided to drive towards Queenstown and find a camping spot near the road in the country. Between Garston and Kingston we found a dirt road between farms and fields and decided another night in the van was in order. That way, if we were asked to leave our parking spot we could make a quick escape.

After cooking dinner and marveling at the sunset (both sides of the sky lit up with fantastical colors) over tea, we watched the moon rise through the clouds in our window-full van. What more could we ask for: a sunset and a moonrise!

*favorite photo: moonrise.

march 2

Day 4 began for me with a magnificent sunrise over the Pacific and a leisurely breakfast. The waves rolling into the bluffs, the birds singing, and the cows mooing made an unimaginably beautiful morning completely brilliant.

We started out on our way and turned off shortly after, just south of Papatowai at Cathedral Caves. We had to attack this short hike before 9:30am, or we would be denied access by the rising tide. We nearly ran down the trail and found the caves before the waves were too close. Walking inside was eerie and damp. At one point we couldn't see the ground (sand or seaweed) beneath our feet. So many of New Zealand's sights have been carved by water or ice in such a variety of ways; including these towering doorways into the rock.

Feeling pretty good about beating the tide, we trudged back up the trail and drove out of the park before the gates closed at 10:30am. The drive to Invercargill was uneventful. We have been amazed at the amount of sheep in New Zealand; particularly because no mammals are native to this island country.

Once we reached Invercargill, it took a bit for Marty, our navigator, to get his map in the right direction and put us near the city centre. We did find a wonderful little museum with WWII propaganda posters, photography, Maori artifacts, a display on The World's Fastest Indian, and eggs of the world. Our stop at the museum would not have been complete if I didn't mention Henry. Henry is a Tuatara. The peculiar thing about Henry is that he is nearly 130 years old (estimated birth in 1880). Not only that, but after many years of celibacy and removal of a tumor, Henry is now father to a new litter of these lizard-like animals. His mate was a 20 year old named Juliet.

This centre also had a tremendously helpful visitors' information with Internet. After spending a solid hour, or more, at this fine traveler-friendly establishment, Genevieve and I enjoyed Turkish wraps and coffee for lunch. Post-late lunch, we met up at the Speights Bar, pulled out a map and an actual planning session ensued! We determined our stop for the night should be Te Anua. From there, Kevin and Marty would hike out four days on the Kepler Track and hitchhike to meet Genevieve, J, and myself in Queenstown. I would have loved to do the track, but I haven't been able to shake the cold. This planning session was the first time we pulled out a South Island, detailed map to look ahead a few days and determine what we would do.

We broke up the meeting and set out fro Te Anua. Arriving there, we soon understood that we were in a tourist town. Internet was expensive, we found many tourist and outdoors shops, and "no vacancy" signs outnumbered the "vacancy." We hoped to camp, but at $15nz per person, we had no intention in indulging after our free or minimal cost sites of previous nights. We did however concede to get a $25nz bunk room for the five of us at a backpackers so we could sort ourselves out, clean up with a shower, and do our laundry. Marty and Kevin purchased some hiking supplies and we checked into our accommodation to prepare for our early morning exit.

*favorite photos: sunrise over the Tasman Sea, the silouette at Cathedral Caves, and J with the tuatara (one of a series of three).

march 1

Day 3 began with an amazing sunrise over the ocean. We pulled up camp after a leisurely breakfast and headed back out on our beautiful Coastal Road for a nice morning drive watching the countryside light up.

Our first drive, not too far down the coast was to the Moeraki Boulders. As soon as we got out of the car, Genevieve and I saw a dolphin pop up over the surf. We were laughing at the peculiarity of seeing them! The boulders on the beach here were strange and tortoise life. They were massive round stones all over the sand. We played around them in our bare feet and visited the gift shop.

We boarded the caboose again and made a bit of headway down the West Coast until we saw a sign for the Evansdale Cheese Factory. We caught the owner just before he closed for the day and he stuffed us full of about 4-5 different cheeses. My favorite was a Dutch flavor, Komene Kaas, made with cumin seed. I bought a small wedge. We have quite a large amount of cheese in our vehicle with no chilly bin (the Kiwi lingo for cooler) to put it in.

A traveling goal for the group this day was Dunedin. We rolled down the hills into the heart of the city where we stopped, nibbled on some lunch and then I split from the group. They went on the Speights Brewery Tour while I took a walk to the train station (one of the most well photographed buildings in this part of the world). The architecture was magnificent, and if I remember correctly, this building was completed in 1906. My stroll was brief through the courtyard before my eye caught the Cadbury Factory.

I toured the chocolate factory and received the lovely chocolate samples from Wama, my friendly tour guide. The chocolate at this factory goes to the South Pacific, Canada, the Middle East, Australia (and, Antarctica). They have one whole silo devoted to tourists where they release one ton of liquid chocolate through the silo in front of our eyes! The inside of the silo is covered in chocolate splashes and we were able to walk down the chocolate coated stairs with chocolate coated railings. If nothing else in the tour made a person smiles, all that flowing chocolate certainly would! I exited the factory smelling of cocoa (from Malaysia), whole milk (from Otago area cows in NZ), and sugarcane (from Australia)!

In Dunedin, I also took a picture of what has been named the steepest street in the world; although, I may have looked at the wrong one. I'm also not completely convinced that this claim is true. It seems to me that there is probably some mud and dirt road in Siberia that could legitimately claim the same thing!

I made my way back to the car and we exchanged tour information. I passed out some chocolates (a well-received gesture).

On the road again, we took a peninsular scenic road that cuts off from Dunedin for a 28km trek to see seals, penguins, and albatross. Unfortunately, we didn't see the penguins, but we did get real close to the fur seals and watched a few albatross float above u! It was pretty amazing to see such diverse wildlife in one place!

The scenic drive was a close cut road between many hills and bluffs and the clear shallow bay below. J fantasized our green machine into the drink and offered ways of escaping with our backpacks. Genevieve just hoped to see the yellow-eyed penguin. I just sat back and enjoyed the beautiful ocean, islands, bluffs, grasses, flowers, and trees on Otago peninsula!

After Dunedin, we looked for a place to camp. Our tastes are somewhat particular as a group. Eventually, we decided to find a beach to camp on and so the search commences for an appropriate place to put down our camping gear. On our search, we came across a short trail to the Papakaunui Falls. The hike was only about 10 minutes each way and I ran the trail back ot the car, but, we found later, these falls are what postcards are made of around this area.

Soon after, driving around the town of Papatowai, and even inquiring about a backpackers cottage with no vacancy, we set out to make camp at a pullout on the road. This bluff was on an amazing spot overlooking cattle and sheep fields with the surf and coastline far below. We set up camp in the dark and made our way to bed quite quickly. I still have a cold and want to get optimal sleep.

*favorite photos: the Papakaunui Falls and orange flowers on the southwest New Zealand coast.

february 27

Our New Zealand adventure began at the CDC at the Antarctic Centre on February 27. Marty's station wagon deal wasn't going to work for our party of five (Genevieve, Marty, Kevin, J, and I). So, our next best alternative was a van. We have lots of room and lots of windows.

For our first trip, we packed in for an overnight at Arthur's Pass. I have to say, I laugh out loud at the thought of traveling in what we've deemed the chartreuse caboose.

Heading out of Christchurch with our own set of wheels felt quite liberating. The first stop was for Sheffield pies at a little shop Kevin recommended. My appetite not quite rejuvenated, I forced one down and enjoyed knowing I had the calories.

Shortly after the pie indulgence, we resumed our ride and found ourselves on the side of fields and pastures near Castle Hills. This enormous group of rocks dotted the hills and provided an enjoyable romp through sheep and cattle fields. We spent an hour, or two, admidst the stone oddities; climbing, sitting, and wandering. Each of us (including J in the picture) enjoyed being outside without the potential frostbite risk!

From this point, we drove through the hills and mountains to Arthur's Pass. The pass itself is certainly not well labeled, but we pulled off in a few places to take in the views, as well as, the flora and fauna. We drove back and forth looking for a good spot and finally set up our tents for the evening along a grand riverbed. I had developed a cold, so I went to bed as soon as I could.

creatures of christchurch

Christchurch is filled with Ice people. It is nearly impossible to walk two blocks without running into a familiar face. It is nice to see people before we all redistribute ourselves across the globe.

The first morning in town, I met my new friend, Lucas for coffee before he took off for home. We went to the Coffee House, where their drinks and breakfasts are an art. I had a vanilla mocha with real milk and marshmallows, too! Before Lucas departed at least ten more people arrived to this place and I sat around while people came for breakfast. After spending the last few weeks with only one day off, it certainly is wonderful to sit back and relax with no time constraints!

A group of us also went to Lyttelton to take in a street fare. We spent some time by the water (much warmer than the open water near McMurdo). We also sat around town and took in the hills and boats around us. Lyttelton is a small port town near Christchurch. We all applied for bus passes so we can scoot around the area much cheaper than taxis and shuttles all over the place.

Today, I'm visiting the CDC (Central Distribution Centre). Because we are with the United States Antarctic Program, we have access to the Air Post Office, free internet access, and discounts at the Antarctic Centre. I went to Starbucks this morning and finally drank the Coconut Mocha Frappucino I've been waiting for (usually, it's a Grande, Almond, 1/2 fat, no whip, Mocha, but the weather is pretty toasty around here today)! This afternoon I intend to run the Botanical Gardens and smell the roses blooming there. Tonight a group is getting together in the city square for dinner. And, finally, tomorrow, we get our rental car and get out of town!

huge honor

"I wanna hang a map of the world in my house. Then I'm gonna put pins into all the locations that I've traveled to. But first, I'm gonna have to travel to the top two corners of the map so it won't fall down." - Mitch Hedberg -

My life experience grew today when I was invited to attend the Scott Base 50th Anniversary Luncheon. My invitation was by default since I, and Shuttle Char, were the drivers from McMurdo to the Base. The speakers at this even include the Prime Minister Helen Clark, Sir Edmund Hillary, Claudia McMurray, and Dr. Arden Bement. The first photo is similar to what you will find if you Google "Sir Edmund Hillary" in the news for today.

The biggest honor, and perhaps highlight of my stay in Antarctica was shaking the hand of Sir Edmund Hillary and thanking him for the groundwork he laid in Antarctica for people, like myself, to be able to come here. He has accomplished much and still has goals and aspirations at 87 years old! He did not expect to be able to attend a 50th birthday party for the Base he founded in Antarctica, but seems pleased-as-punch to be here. The man is still quite witty and has great regard for the science and research that continues here.

The luncheon was a strange mix of lowly Raytheon employees, Kiwi people, military personnel, NSF and high ranking government official, along with Char and I, the shuttle drivers. Prime Minister Helen Clark consented to have her picture taken with me as well. This woman is quite approachable and "down-to-earth." I appreciate her enthusiasm for coming to Antarctica and visiting for the 50 year event.

I would attempt to write more of my thoughts, but this opportunity came about so quickly that I am still trying to figure out how little-ole-me ended up with sushi and fine New Zealand cheeses for lunch! And, I must head for bed to rest this sleepy head!

*favorite photo: me with Sir Ed.

midnight madness

New Years brought McMurdo another two day weekend. I cannot begin to tell you how nice it is to recuperate for more than 24 hours. This week will also begin our third (and last) shuttles rotation. The first, was my 17:30 to 05:30 shift. I am finishing my 05:30 to 17:30 rotation and moving into a 06:30 to 18:30 schedule.

But beyond the functionality of our work schedule, a large number of activities are scheduled to entertain us over the holiday weekend. There was a toga party, a fuel tanker party, two morning brunches in a row, Icestock, a Hut 10 Christmas party for our shuttles crew and another New Years party at Scott Base.

My Old Years Day was consumed by activities. I found myself out at Icestock early. This peculiar Antarctic event is held outside (I panorama-ed some pictures together) and features bands from around station, a chili cook-off, and some fabulous “art.” Of course, my favorite part had to be the Sawbucks; appropriately staffed by the carpentry shop. I enjoyed a nice cup of free coffee in a real Starbucks cup with Erik (he’s a general assistant, GA, and one of the very first people I met in my hotel in Denver).

I went for a run to Scott Base, but only made it to the top of their hill before I had to turn back because of wind and dust. I have to say, it was one of the most miserable runs ever! I was grateful for my balaclava to save me from inhaling the volcanic dust, but it did not keep me from getting blown across the road as I ran back into town! Last night the storm finally made its’ way into McMurdo. We had a nice fresh thin layer of snow this morning when it was over. I noticed today, we are getting some more flurries. After living such a dusty, muddy existence for the last few weeks, the new snow is a welcome sight!

For New Years, our shuttles crew had our Christmas party with gift exchange. Kris (our supervisor) and Megan (night senior) whipped up a delicious Greek feast for us all and we had a gift exchange. Then we had movies, games, and a midnight champagne toast. The festivities were quiet, but that is how I usually celebrate the turn of the year.

So, it is a new year; a fresh start to an ambiguously marked time, or year, in history. A lot will change for me in the next months to the end of next year. I will see many new places and hope for new faces, too! I have neglected to determine any resolutions, although, I hope to exercise more consistently. I wouldn’t know where to start with a resolution for an unplanned future. I am determined to have a great deal of faith in God’s provision, and a few unique adventures in the coming year!

“Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault. All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are his before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen.” – Jude 1:24-25 -

christmas!

Due to the 18-21 hour time difference, I've put off writing this blog until my Christmas afternoon; hoping my readers will get this greeting late Christmas Eve, or on Christmas morning!

May you be touched by the Christmas spirit and remember Christ's love for you this weekend!

Our Christmas celebration started with the town party on Saturday night after everyone got off work. I had a miserable night with a sore throat and achy body, so I stayed in. Sunday morning, Laura and I had breakfast. She brought the good cereal from the South Pole (Cocoa Puffs and Fruit Loops). We also went to the Christmas Eve service at the chapel and came back in time to rest before our big dinner at 3pm. The dinner was delightful and tasty. Afterwards, it was time for reading and resting! At 11pm, there was carols at the chapel. It was packed full, and we had a great time!

This morning (Christmas), after I took pictures of Laura running the Ob Hill Uphill race, brunch was served. This is typically the best meal of the week with an omlette bar, Belgian waffle bar, fresh fruit and cheeses, pastries, and lots of hot breakfast food, too! I loaded up on fresh fruit and then headed to the big gym for an all day volleyball tournament. I have another game in an hour, but so far, my team has won the first two matches.

So, that's my Christmas. I hope you have a spectacular time with your friends and family.

"For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." - Isaiah 9:6 -