MidWinter in Antarctica

June 21, 12:58pm.  We picked this time because it was solar noon for us in Antarctica.

The cross at the top of our hike with the southern cross constellation  in the night sky next to it.  In case you don't know the southern cross, it's the ver bright stars that look like a kite with five stars. 

To kick off the Solstice I got up and ran the MidWinter Mile race.  Just one mile but with windchill (and it was windy) it was -56 so that mile was a big accomplishment.  I have a blue ribbon but that's becuase she crossed out the 1st and wrote 4th on it for me. (fourth out of my age category...of which there were four of us). 

Out center pieces for midwinter.  We collected old Antarctica photos and old lookin things to decorated. Simple and nice. 

To make the galley look special, we set all the tables, hung flags, christmas tree lights, put up tents, had live music and an open bar.  Good times. 

This project came out really cool. Many of us got a "Tom Crean" re-creation photo.  Tom Crean was on three major Antarctica expeditions. We got our photos taken and then wrote up a little bio on how we ended up in Antarctica. 

The galley, as usual, made incredible food and desserts.  These were our appetizers.  Lavender tea cakes,  spinach and cheese bowls, candycane beets and cream cheese, duck pate, edamame puree with fried nori and wasabi, and two others i can't remember right now. 

That isn't even all of the desserts. It continues on. This is just the chocolate section and you can't even see the chocolate fountain. jeremy (our baker) made a dessert for each nation was wintering.  With all that and then including the choclates, we had 32 different dessert options. 

Here's some more in no particular order: Flan, blood orange jellies, apple cider jellies, pavlova, peanut butter fudge, panna cotta, peanut butter cups, candied pears covered in chocolate, almond joys, orange chocolate, midn chocolate, chocolate coverd cherries, bonbons of various flavors.  Some of my other favorites included the German cheesecake, russian tea cakes,  lemingtons and  Tres Leches cake. and that's not even everything. 

Working in the kitchen, jamie had to cook and then serve during the meal. here he is making fresh tossed cesear salad for everyone. 

On of the things I love about Antarctica is that we love a good photo booth. This one was made by my Co-worker Travis. It's a recreation of Scotts hut.  This is the Wastie Crew this winter.  Myself, Travis and Rob. 

There are LOTS of violent(ish) photos.  Debbie and Julie kind of ruin it with their smiles and laughter.

Just to keep the night going, Jamie and I then bartended the after party at the Gallaghers.  Rebranded and redecorated as an ice cave and called Club Krystal.