The end is now clearly in sight. The ice breaker Oden left two days ago to break up the ice pack to bring in our supply ship the Tern. Rumors had been circulating like wild fire for the last week as to the exact date of their arrival. Betting pools were established. Shifts were changed to adjust for the around the clock schedule that the ship off-load requires. The entire station becomes involved from volunteers to tie up the ship to all those involved in unloading the ship, redistributing the cargo to its interim destination and then reloading the ship for its return to the States. Store hours change, dining facility hours change, the station becomes like a huge farm bringing in the harvest. U. S. Navy cargo handlers provide the expertise onboard the ship. A control tower is set up above the ice pier to direct the movement of trucks, forklifts and cargo containers. The beautiful flow of the choreography betrays the years of experience in play by McMurdoites who have conducted this resupply dance for years. Even the bars on station are closed to remove any temptation to offset the long arduous hours of work with a little libation. The constant beep, beep, beeping of forklifts backing up echoes through the now packed parking area between the dorms and the dining facility. The weather has taken a distinct turn towards winter as gusty winds send shivers down the spines of everyone outside helping in the effort. The very day off-load is concluded the Navy men will climb on a C-17 to head home. The ship will leave on its return journey preceded by the Oden headed back to Sweden. The final few flights to the Pole are concluded as we all begin to pack out readying ourselves for our return to lives off the ice. The end is truly in sight.