Dan’s Adventures in Antarctica: Saturday November 26, 2011

Saturday was the day that we celebrated Thanksgiving here on station. I started my Thanksgiving out by participating in the Turkey Trot 5k. There were free pre-race massages to anyone who wanted them. I figured I might as well take one. I found it to be more ticklish than anything else!

Here I am, hanging out with Nick (1st picture) and Darren (2nd picture) before the race.

Here are all the people getting ready for the run.

Then, three guys dressed up like turkeys came running through the group!

Darren and I trying to stay warm before the run. Also, there is a gorilla behind me, because why wouldn't there be? If you look closely, you can see that I had to run in my hiking boots. It hurt a ton by the end!

Me during the run. It did not feel nice since the first half to the New Zealand Base sign was uphill!

Welcome to McMurdo! I had just made my u-turn at the Scott Base sign and got to see this sign!

After the run, I helped Condition Fun setup for their final show. Then I got dressed up into the best clothes that I could find at gear issue. At least I didn't go as Cinderella again!

And here was the Thanksgiving spread! Just look at the Galley! And at all that amazing food on my tray! There were even cranberries, but nothing can top my Grandma's cranberry recipe! Also, I think this may have been my first Thanksgiving where I got a drumstick. Normally, I would have to battle my uncle Jeff for one of those ;)

The guys dressed as turkeys made an appearance at dinner as well.

Here is the whole group (except for me) at our "extended family table."

After the meal, we all settled in to hear Condition Fun play their final show. It was so amazing. So much fun. Several new songs, guest performers and individual musical and non-musical performances made the show that much better!