Crazy Ice People

Current Conditions
Temperature: -6F
Wind Chill: -6F

Where was I? Oh yes, so I'm standing on a slab of sea ice wearing nothing but a pair of old sneakers and a thin waist harness. Fortunately, there are only a few people watching because so far only one van full of Americans has unloaded here at Scott Base, and the Kiwis have had their chill and are back inside watching rugby. My skin is already somewhat numb just from the short time that it's been exposed to the air, but neither I nor my skin know what's coming.

I had been told that you're not completely aware of yourself getting back out of the water; instinct takes over any rational thought that may be in your head. I say "may" because, let's face it, who willingly jumps into 28 degree water as if it's a rational action? So, here's what I remember...

My eyes are open underwater and I see bubbles over a deep blue emptyness. I don't really recall surfacing or swimming to the edge. I do recall my chest collapsing like a bear trap. I reach for the ladder and place my bare hand on a glistening blue rung. To my memory, it has a half inch of solid ice frozen over it's entire surface. Another momentary memory gap and I'm standing on the slab of ice I jumped from, deliberately attempting to do two things: breathe and put on a robe. I'm failing at both. My breath is coming in short gasps, as if I've had the wind knocked out of me. I attempt to say something, I don't recall what - probably a string of expletives, but all that comes out is a st-sst-st-stuud-studd-d-d-ering g-g-gr-gar-b-ble. Eventually I work out the robe situation and start running toward warmth. The look on my face says it all:

I don't remember seeing Katie there, but I wouldn't be surprised if that smile was for my misfortune as I dash to the makeshift hot tub. And when I say "makeshift," I mean it. Here's Katie looking like a kid at Christmas after settling in next to the contraption that warmed us all up:

Soon the feeling is coming back to my toes. My palms are bright red and I wonder if they were frostnipped by the icy ladder. Two or three more vans show up by the time I'm drying and redressing. I'm glad I came on the first shuttle, because the changing hut is so packed with bodies that I can barely move to put my clothes on. Men, women, many naked, some bashful. It doesn't matter because we're all a big family now.

After watching a few people jump, I retire to the warmth of the Scott Base bar and soon the place is packed. I'm feeling envigorated from my leap into sub-freezing water, and I think many others are, too. Enter the "shot ski":

Pre shot: Bethany, Therese, Talie, Annie, and Liz simultaneously slurping a buttery nipple.

Mid shot: Liz, Genevieve, Jolene, Meghan, and Bethany raising the bar.

Post shot: Caesar, Cathy, Deneen, Katie, and John. Not sure what they were drinking, but by the looks on their faces, I don't want any.

I take a moment to look around and realize that I know every person here. I don't necessarily know them all well, but there is not an unfamiliar face in the room. What will it be like to see a stranger for the first time in six months? I guess I'll find out after three more.