Having spent the entire Summer season in Antarctica before my first Winter, when it came time for that last plane to leave, I wasn't sure what to expect. As you may recall, I was somewhat expecting a profound sense of isolation. As it turned out, it was one of the most interesting, stable and community involved times of my life.
It is interesting to note the difference in my expectations for this Winter. Like most winterovers, I was somewhat relieved to be settling in with the final crew. I am more than ready to wrap a security blanket of darkness and solidity around my shoulders and hunker down into my own little winter world.
Still, this Winter holds it's own possibilities, mysteries and new experiences. And that is definitely something worth toasting.
At 13:30, the Winter crew gathers at the Chalet
to sip some bubbly and wave goodbye to the
final flight out of McMurdo for the next six months.
The NSF Station Representative gives the toast.
Shandra pours and hands out the champagne.
Fellow winterovers, awaiting a visual of the plane.
Justin and Jen sippin' on the bubbly.
Jenn - nervous? excited? or just practicing her penguin puff up?
Clay, whose smile tells us he's quite happy that some people aren't wintering.
Janette. Doesn't she make carhartts look so ski-lodge-chique?
Ahhh yes, me with my Wookie gloves (Beaver)
that Bamma leaves me for the winter.
Nothing goes so well with champagne than Wookie.
Kris rocks the Jackie-O glasses.
Kelli with those sassy safety
glasses that we all know and love.
"Oh really," Larry seems to say.
No wonder Shandra volunteered to pour!
Cathy, Ryan and Brooks looking chill.
Sean and DJ clad in brown are mellow dudes about the town.
Todd, Jonathan and A-Con.
Zachary wonders exactly what he might be getting into
while Larry stands by amused by it all.
Troy and Amanda are about to lose it...already!
Cara got a heads-up fashion tip on proper
"Last Flight" attire from the aliens last night.
Karen, Keri and Kris are excited for summer people to leave!
Poo-Baca is already off his rocker.
Bye Bye plane!
Larry takes a moment to reflect and raises a glass to Winter!
And now...we're in the capable hands of these folks.
Welcome to Winter.
Ang is crocheting a hat!
Melanie works on some cross-stitch while 
Melanie!
Shandra!
Karen!
Ang!
Lan!
Me!
The NSF Station Representative gives the toast.
Shandra pours and hands out the champagne.
Fellow winterovers, awaiting a visual of the plane.
Justin and Jen sippin' on the bubbly.
Jenn - nervous? excited? or just practicing her penguin puff up?
Clay, whose smile tells us he's quite happy that some people aren't wintering.
Janette. Doesn't she make carhartts look so ski-lodge-chique?
Ahhh yes, me with my Wookie gloves (Beaver) 
Kris rocks the Jackie-O glasses.
Kelli with those sassy safety 
"Oh really," Larry seems to say.
No wonder Shandra volunteered to pour!
Cathy, Ryan and Brooks looking chill.
Sean and DJ clad in brown are mellow dudes about the town.
Todd, Jonathan and A-Con.
Zachary wonders exactly what he might be getting into 
Troy and Amanda are about to lose it...already!
Cara got a heads-up fashion tip on proper 
Karen, Keri and Kris are excited for summer people to leave!
Poo-Baca is already off his rocker.
Bye Bye plane!
Larry takes a moment to reflect and raises a glass to Winter!
And now...we're in the capable hands of these folks.