Sunday, November 27
It is Thanksgiving here as we celebrate it on Saturday. I did a bit of bar hopping tonight after the huge magical feast of hanging out with the entire group as well as a few guest such as some kiwi scientists.
I am also sending you a pic from behind the little church. I had made a promise when I first arrived that I would end each night behind the church here as it overlooks the sound and also provides a good protection from the wind. I do this as a way of making sure that I never take this place for granted ever. So tonight, three times I went over to my little sanctuary when I try to connect with this land that has enchanted me so. The last time and at the end of the evening for me as all of the bars were closed, I stood there with no coat and only a shirt (it has been warm here in the upper 20's F and also I am completely use to cold temperatures) and looked out at the majestic mountains and the never ending sunlight, with my heart sobbing and choking with tears as I repeated over and over that at best, there are only two more nights to come here and experience this, my little nirvana. I can not believe that this adventure is actually coming to an end. I have heard from others that once they come here they are hooked for life with the magic of this place. I would have say that it is true for me. I have come to realize that this is the place for me, the place that touches my heart more than any other place. I know that I will be here in 2007, I hope that I can design my research to be here more in the future.
Although I had a magical evening, my heart is heavy with the realization that this amazing episode in my life is coming to a close. Perhaps it is the all of the wine, but my heart aches and is fighting against time for what it represents, maybe that is the reason why I am up at nearly 3:00 am and have to get up at 7 am as I am planned to go out to meet up with the kiwi scientists at their field camp. I almost want to go out again and see this amazing place. For example, last night after a long night of hanging out, I came out of the bar in the middle of a fairly intense snow fall. Up until recently, it has been too cold to snow much. However, with the advent of milder air pushing up from the north, the air warmed and with it came the snow. We got about 3 to 4 inches, which made it so beautiful transforming McMurdo and the surrounding mountains into a winter wonderland. After departing from the gang, I walked around seeing the town in a completely different way. The magic of the place was so intense that I stood there over looking the different scenes with tears in my eye.
I will be very sad to leave this place. I clearly do not want to leave this enchanting place. My hope is that I can design my future research so I can come here more often.
ps a pic of the gang at dinner and a typical pic of what I see behind the church.
