Sunday, November 25, 2007

TURKEY TROT & THANKSGIVING



Thanksgiving was celebrated at McMurdo on Saturday 24 November. This was to allow most people on the base to have a day off. The big events of the day included the annual Turkey Trot, a 5 km race out to the ice runway and back to base. About 200 people participated, some in costume, some taking it very seriously, and many walking. It was a beautiful day with clear skies. The second big event was the Thanksgiving meal, served to 1000! It was very traditional, from the relish tray to the pumpkin pie.

The top photo shows the runners stretched out along the ice road. The second photo shows Chris, who finished in a time of 27:19, not bad considering the cold temperatures and the slippery footing. He was in the top 10 of the "over 40's." I walked the course with others, and, frankly, we were more interested in taking pictures and enjoying the day than winning a race. Nonetheless, we finished in about 1 hour. The third picture is of me with Mt Erebus (volcano) smoking in the background.