Last week at the Pole started in 2018 but ended in 2019. What better way to launch into the new year than by unveiling something shiny and bright? That’s the tradition at the South Pole, with a special ceremony held each January 1 to reset the marker at the geographic South Pole. Here’s the new marker just unveiled, which was designed by last year’s crew. Nice work! And what better way to finish off 2018 than by smashing something to bits? No harm done in destroying last year’s gingerbread houses (Oh, but all the work that must have gone into them!—sigh.). IceCube winterover Benjamin returned from R&R in McMurdo in time to compete in the South Pole half marathon, joined by IceCube winterover Kathrin. They look like happy campers during the race, and they ended up taking third and fourth place, respectively.
