Everyone knows that the North Pole is the place from which millions (some say billions) of new toys issue forth each Christmas Eve. The Antarctic, home of the South Pole, has been described by and referring to its own inhabitants as the land of “misfit toys”. As the women also like to say about finding a man (and I think this quote may have been stolen by one of the “misfits” from Alaska) “the odds are good but the goods are odd”. Everyone here seems to have some odd or quirky character trait by which they identify. Many have odd ways of expressing their personality physically like the guy who has a blue Mohawk. For many this is their only family and their “real life”. Some look forward to leaving the ice and embarking on new adventures in some exotic corner of the world. This is their planet, the source of their renewal and hope. The first planes that leave are usually loaded with first timers like I was last year but as the later planes leave the population of old timers and long time friends diminishes. To some it’s a little bit like dying especially if they know they will never return. To others it’s a brief sojourn onto another planet. The Antarctic continent and the South Magnetic Pole will continue to draw inhabitants to its cold blustery shores each year but it will not do so for me. As I leave here this year I will conclude two phases of my life. The first will be the adventure of spending two summer seasons on this vast beautiful continent. The other will be the end of my active air traffic control career. I am happy and will be eternally grateful for both of these opportunities but there is always something in life to look forward to for as long as I continue to draw breath. Now that I have been to the South Pole I feel drawn to travel to the North Pole (perhaps I’ll meet Santa Claus). I have been to the most difficult continent to travel to now I’m drawn to visit South America and Africa the only two continents on which I have never set foot. First and foremost I look forward to returning to my family and friends healthy and happy. I’m recharged and ready to “sally forth” on a whole new wonderland of adventures in life. For those of you who have shared in my Antarctic Adventure through this blog I thank you. Knowing someone was out there keeping tabs on my daily activities sustained me through this long separation. Many of you I have never and will never meet. For those of you I know get ready because here I come! As the old saying goes, “parting is such sweet sorrow”. Thank you and good night.