weather

Antarctica has weather. If you ever plan to go, expect at least one day with hurricane-force winds. On each of my trips, I've had at least one day with winds above 100 mph. Naturally, we don't go out in these conditions. We hunker down and take the chance to sort through photos, get some computer work or reading done, recharge batteries (internal & electronic), swap stories, watch from windows, and whatever else you want. It's very interesting to have these days where you are generally either on stand-by or break-mode - you have some freedom to do whatever you want within set confines, though what you generally do want to be doing is unavailable. And we wait for the weather to change.

It does change, of course. I've seen what's described as four seasons in a day. Though often it's all in an afternoon. From sun to clouds to rain to snow and back to sun. Winds picking up and dying down. We've had great days and crummy days, and we do our best with whatever comes. Schedules are reworked and plans are altered. This can be a barren, windswept land - and you know it. It's awe inspiring to be and to work, even for a short time, in such a place.

One can't help but wonder at the seabirds soaring above the southern ocean. For them, these winds are home, and they may even prefer to be swept over the sea by strong gales than to float on the breeze. It's a stark contrast to our own experience with wind and weather, we who came from such tropical climes.

P.S. - I had some yummy cookies today. No brownies, but I'll take it!