Antarctica

There's not always a lot to do here. It's nice to hike out to Castle Rock, cross-country ski to the Kiwi base, or visit the greenhouse once in a while, but sometimes it gets really boring. I mean, what do you do after you've seen the ice caves, visited the aquarium, and are sick of bowling on lanes that are warped? Okay, besides going to the coffee house or Erebus club! Give up? Surf. Yep, surf - here.

And when you get tired of that, we'll go to the library, check out some old videos, and sit in the sauna. Then again, the Erebus club is sounding awfully good. What say you?

I know - another animal picture - but these guys are so awesome, I couldn't resist. We see people everyday - and rarely see animals anymore except for our pets - so that's why I'm big on animal pictures. Just hang in there; I promise to lay off the critters for a while, and will post something tomorrow about the research and some people. Okay?

I just can't believe our luck! First, the Skuas throw us a big "Open House" party, then the Emperor and Empress grace us with their presence. I feel so honored that they came to see us. But just between you and me, I think they came more out of curiousity. Faerie Queens just don't cotton to this part of the world, you know? It's so dry, my delicate hands are beginning to crack. Newt has been rubbing royal bee jelly on my wings to keep them soft. For those of you with the same difficulty of cracked skin, may I recommend Eucerin creme - not the lotion, it's too thin. Some people like Bag Balm, but I think it's too greasy.

Just a few words of advice, while you are visiting it is very important that you stay hydrated. Please drink at least a gallon of water a day. Now I know that sounds like a lot, but you lose water just through the act of breathing. Open your mouth and go like this "Whooo." You can see your breath, can't you? That's because the moisture in your breath is freezing. Get the picture? Drink water! Another thing, the more water you drink, the easier it is to stay warm, you won't get tired so fast, and it helps to keep arthritic joints lubricated. Now don't take that the wrong way! I'm not implying that anyone is old, but water is very important to keep everyones joints in good working condition. And we don't need anyone passing out because of dehydration. The Skuas sure threw a good party, didn't they?

 
Wendell was a bit annoyed about not being invited. The Skuas say he does this all the time just to get a free meal. Kinda feel sorry for the chap - seems a bit homely, doesn't he? Well, maybe if Newt could part with one of his lamb chops somebody might be bribed - uh feel sorry for him - and hang out with him. 

 
Isn't this just terrific! You've arrived just in time for the party. These birds are offering Canterbury Draft (CD) and Coors Light - oh, and there's plain old H2O for the faint of heart, too. So... what'll it be? 

Good news travels fast, doesn't it? In an isolated place such as this, formal attire comes flying out of the closet when news of a party gets around. This just may be the event of the year!