Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving weekend at McMurdo Station is a pretty big deal. One of the reasons why it is such a big deal is because it is a rare two day weekend with most all other weekends a single day (Sunday). That means it gives people a chance to unwind and relax a little more. The station and operations also shut down more than a typical weekend. The focus of the two-day weekend is the Saturday, when Thanksgiving is celebrated. There are a variety of activities throughout the day, the bars are a little livelier, and some workcenters are also frequently hosting smaller parties. From Friday evening until Sunday afternoon it can be a flurry of activities, or a chance to relax and rest, which oftentimes does not happen.

The start of the Turkey Trot 5K. I am in the fourth from the left, in all black, and bib number 1143.

One of the big events for Thanksgiving is the Turkey Trot 5K race. There are actually two 5K races. The Turducken is run Friday evening for those that are working during the actual Turkey Trot. There are also some people who run both. The Turkey Trot has become a big event for those that run, and those that prefer to walk the 5K. For this year's Turkey Trot there were 150 entrants with a current station population of 895 people, or about a sixth of the station. Typically, a large number of the participants dress up in all sorts of costumes for the Turkey Trot. There are collections of costumes throughout the station that have been around for years and emerge for big events such as Halloween and the Turkey Trot. The actual race is sort of brutal. Roughly the first half of the race is run uphill on a crushed rock road and the second half is the return run downhill. The temperature was reasonable this year at 23F but there was a biting wind that cut through most running gear and costumes. There are a few good and serious runners but most of the participants are more in it for the experience, fun, and a great way to kickoff Thanksgiving in McMurdo.

The finish line of the Turkey Trot in front of the Chapel of the Snows. It is easy to see some of the costumes worn by some of the runners.

These two turkey costumes were new creations for this years Turkey Trot. The two guys made them the night before and stood at the finish line cheering on the runners, including the bullhorn, as the runners finished. The number of 150 participants in the Turkey Trot does not include all of those who volunteered and cheered on during the event to make it a little more special for everybody.

The galley (dining hall) serves multiple Thanksgiving dinners throughout the day. Contrary to most meals, when some people grab their food and leave, the Thanksgiving meal is eaten together as friends. For many of the long time contract workers, their friends and coworkers are closer to them than their actual families. The dining staff has their own meal as a precursor at 12:30 and then they serve meals at 3:00, 5:00, and 7:00. There is another meal closer to midnight for those that are working the night shift. The Thanksgiving meal covers all of the common dishes that you'd see at any Thanksgiving dinner. There are mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, stuffing, corn, green bean casserole, turkey, gravy, salad, pecan pie, apple pie, and so on. The dining staff do a tremendous job of providing a great meal to the station population. Thanksgiving is also a very unique day in that most everybody cleans up and oftentimes are wearing clothes that are much nicer than you see on just about any other day during the main body season. Sometimes, it can even be difficult to recognize people because you are not used to seeing them look so good and dressed up, at least dressed up for McMurdo.

My Thanksgiving dinner for this year. Except for the wine glass, the dinnerware and utensils are typical of any other meal in the galley. The food is much better than a typical meal in the galley.

It is traditional during each meal sitting for the dining staff to be announced and for them to do a walk through so everybody can thank the dining staff for working and providing such a great meal on Thanksgiving.

My table with coworkers and friends for this year's Thanksgiving dinner.

The Wall Street Journal is in McMurdo for two weeks to cover various aspects of the life and science that occurs here. I've heard word that the WSJ will be having an article on Monday covering the Turkey Trot and Thanksgiving in McMurdo. Be sure to check it out if you have access to the WSJ.