When the pressure builds in Antarctica…

Due to the continent shifting and ice moving, pressure builds up and forces these ridges. Some ridges are just little bumps, but most tend to grow and become these beautiful pieces of art. They look so unreal.

The closest pressure ridges are only a few miles away near Scott Base. I got the opportunity to walk around them and admire their beauty recently. Here are some of the highlights of what I saw.

We also ran into some wedell seals. The pups are so cute and cuddly!

Barbie got some time at the Pressure Ridges as well.

She explores...

And she found some beautiful hanging drifts...

She got some bonding time with our Pressure Ridge tour guide Meghan.

She even got to view some local wildlife!

Barbie hits McMurdo…

Way back…when Linda and I were bored last season (it didn’t happen often), we conceptualized Antarctic Barbie. Further development occured as we camped and hiked around New Zealand after leaving the ice.

Barbie finally came to life as my birthday present from Linda (and her mother). Her mother worked very hard to create and sew her big red and black windpants, making them as accurate and genuine as possible. She even was able to reproduce the USAP logo on the big red.

Even though this season has been busier than last due to the job, Linda and I have found time to take her out to see the sights. Here are a few of her recent adventures.

Here is Linda escorting Barbie around Ob Hill Loop. This was her first hike and she was a bit nervous. Thankfully, her big red kept her warm.

Next, she visited Scott Base, the New Zealand base just a few miles away.

Babie got to view the Helo Pad. I am hoping she'll be able to see the inside of one of the helocopters or even take a ride!

Stay tuned to see where she’ll pop up next!

It’s OFFICIAL!

A few weeks ago I finally received my very own chef coats. They are nicely embroidered with the NANA Polar logo, my title and my name. I am now official.

See…

See...even my name is spelled properly!

Extra bonuses:
1. All people now know what I do and are free to let me know their thoughts on the food (good and bad).
2. The coats don’t come out of the dryer very well. I am forced to iron every week. How many chefs can say that they cook at the bottom of the plant AND get to iron their very own chefs’ coats?

It all adds to the ‘experience!’

Step aside Starbucks, McMurdo Coffeehouse is rocking!

Even though I am in a new position and am working odd and crazy hours, I decided to pick up a second job. I figured that a little moonlighting would keep me on my toes.

There are not too many options for this type of work and especially a job that would accomodate my changing schedule. My options were to be a bartender at either of the two bars, a barista at the Coffeehouse/Wine Bar or be one of the distributors of movies and alcohol in the station store. I thought the Coffeehouse/Wine Bar had the most potential.

The Coffeehouse is a great place to be; either working or just hanging out. It’s got this great atmosphere where you feel warm (mentally and physically) to just socialize or grab a good book and read in a corner.

I am working one night per week and have already identified the ‘regulars.’ The dress code is very casual and with great music and the smell of coffee and wine, what could go wrong?

I started working the end of September and am slowly feeling that I have a good handle on all the coffee beverages. Opening the wine bottles (some fortunately are screw top) and pouring the wine is the easy part. And people that frequent the Coffeehouse are very relaxed and easy going that it makes me look forward to the one night a week I get the privilage to work.

And with the addition of my red curly locks, I am finding the tips are much more plentiful.

Here are some photos of the infamous McMurdo Coffeehouse:

Welcome to the McMurdo Coffeehouse!

This is the side room. There is something there every night; movies playing, open mic night, live music, etc.

Isn't it cozy?

Bored at McMurdo

Yes, it's a very large (and dirty) snow carving!

This is what happens when people don’t have enough to keep them busy. There are a plethora of activities and events going on, but when creativity calls, this is how one person chose to answer

Notice the Welcome to McMurdo sign, the large (yet accurate) seal holding an ice cream cone, and in the bottom left, you can see the little adeile penguin. In the background, you can almost see the replica of the town, but the winds had blown most of it away. It’s a harsh continent!

This was created next the dock of the kitchen where a large amount of snow had built up over the last few months.