A cribbage board made in the Palmer Station workshop.

Most people who work in Antarctica serve for six months at a time and recreation has to be worked into the everyday routine. Besides marveling at the otherworldly landscape, there is fitness equipment, organized hikes and tours around the bases, a well-stocked television lounge with a great supply of movies, the Internet and, of course, woodworking. "The shop at McMurdo is very industrial in nature, so there are no opportunities there," Frank said. "But, at Palmer, the shop is a lot more open for the hobbyist to make things for the station."

For his next assignment, Frank has his eye on a full-sized lathe parked at the Palmer station. "I hadn't expected to see that the last time I was there. Since then, I've taken up turning and I'm looking forward to getting my hands on it. I'd love to turn some bottle stoppers for them."

Tom Iovino
http://tomsworkbench.com

Reference:
http://www.nsf.gov/index.jsp

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