June 21st marked the winter solstice for us, meaning the sun is gradually on it's way back again. We still have another two months before we get to see it again though.

So, how do we celebrate mid-winter?
It is the premier Antarctic holiday, when all the bases exchange greetings with each other, and world leaders send messages of congratulations.

Locally two big events typically mark the middle of winter for us.

First up is the mid-winter dinner, the one day we take the time to dress up and have a formal dinner together...


The Dining Room at McMurdo all dressed up


An Ice Scultpure made by one of the locals


Folks take to the dance floor after dinner


The second way of celebrating Mid Winter is the Polar Plunge.
Over the hill at Scott Base they spend a day digging down through about 2 meters / 6 feet of ice (plus a bit of snow on top) to get to the sea water underneath.

Folks then take turns jumping in, with a safety rope attached in case they pass out or get into other difficulties...


Brody, our Computer Tech in the plunge hole

Some people love it.
Personally I regard it as an IQ test and have never bothered doing it myself.
If I was going to be raising a substantial amount of money for a charity by doing it I might give it a go, but I feel if I really want to feel discomfort and an adrenaline rush it is easier to just go slam my thumb in the door.