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October 3, 2004Experiencing sunrise at the Pole"No person who has not spent a period of his life in those 'stark and sullen solitudes that sentinel the Pole' will understand fully what trees and flowers, sun-flecked turf and running streams mean to the soul of a man."- Sir Ernest Shackleton, Antarctic explorer SOUTH POLE, Antarctica - Greetings from the South Pole, where the sun returned Sept. 22 with such a glorious approach. The heralds are truly singing. I feel fortunate to witness the beauty of sunrise here at the South Pole. I can say that I am one of only 1,060 people in the history of the world to witness such a natural phenomenon. It is a surreal experience that lingers for days. As a reminder, the sun circles the horizon here at the South Pole rather than arcing above it. Opposite the sun is a very dark gray area that appears to be an approaching storm. This is the earth's shadow. It is formed as the earth blocks sunrays cast by the sun as it lingers just below the horizon. Topping this dark gray area is a beautiful rose color. This combination of gray and rose taper symmetrically as they approach the sun where they meet a transition point of orange and yellow approximately halfway around the horizon. Brilliant. It may come as a surprise to many that there are two Benzie County boys at the South Pole. Neither of us knew one another until we met at the bottom of the world. What are the odds that two out of 75 people wintering over at the South Pole would be from the same small county? Ross Thorsen, a carpenter foreman and Elberta resident, has spent nine seasons on the Ice – one winter each at McMurdo and South Pole, and eight summers at the South Pole. He says that it is the "oddity" of it all that keeps him coming back. The isolation and quiet atmosphere away from the ills of the world holds a certain appeal. He admits that the travel opportunities to and from the Pole are a tremendous benefit of the program, as well. Ross confides that the program has done him wonders from a personal aspect, stating that it has taught him patience and to be less judgmental. There are several people who Ross says he is forever grateful to. Without them, he says, he is unsure whether he could have stayed in the program as long as he has. Ed Ward, Dave and Margaret Evans, Dave and Peggy Wittkop, and his girlfriend Kathy Anderson, are a few people he wishes to recognize for their kindness and generosity. When asked what he misses the most here at the Pole, he says without hesitating, Benzie County - Elberta beach, fishing from the pier, mushrooming, and working for Jackie McLaughlin. As a testament to his leadership skills and dedication, I would like to point out that with only three carpenters and eight apprentices and helpers, the crew has "smoked the schedule" in terms of the work completed on new station this winter. I must admit that I share the same sentiments as Ross regarding Benzie County. It may be small, but it is a naturalist paradise. If you like small-town living, Benzie County is the place to be. Well, the sun is up now, and we are all counting the days. We have started our redeployment meetings, and soon most of us will be moving out to summer camp, freeing up the new station for the new arrivals. The intruders are coming. But we welcome their arrival, for it spells the end of our tour and introduction back into civilization. Cheers from the Pole!
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