1/1



The day was short, very short. I opened my eyes to realize it was almost
1pm. I had five minutes to get ready before the big lunch. I was hoping I
wouldn't be the last one to show up in the dining room and be called a big
baby for sleeping so late. I ran in and found no one at the tables. I
stepped in the video room and found a few familiar faces, half asleep and
not to eager to go eating again. By 1:30pm, however, the majority of the
station gathered to their now accustomed seat and the meal started. The
enthusiasm had decreased ten fold, and the conversations around tables were
a lot more serious than the previous night. I guess it was a slow and
comfortable way to start the day. The lunch finished around 3:30 and the
rest of the afternoon was spent relaxing (if only we had a beach here). I
spent 15 minutes in the AASTINO to give myself a clear conscience. Nothing
new had happened during the night and the dreaded 2004 computer bug turned
out to be another turkey. I looked one more time inside the AASTINO thinking
that the next time I walk into it; it will be to do some major redecorating.
This certitude was due to the knowledge that the traverse coming from DDU
was schedule to arrive tonight at 9:30pm.



They were right on time. At 8:45, we could see them at the horizon, some
people got on a skidoo to go and greet them a few kilometers ahead. Watching
this caravan pass in the station is always an event. I guess events are so
rare here that a new marriage of Elisabeth Taylor would be considered as
one. Everyone got out of the tents to wave and photograph each of the six
trucks as they passed the free-time tent. The cargo was unhooked from the
trucks which then parked all perfectly line up. I recognized most of the
drivers as they were on the boat with me. There was one Australian driver
whom I didn't know, one Italian and five Frenchman from DDU. I was
disappointed to find out that they didn't carry any food with them. When
will we receive new bars of chocolate? Why not switching a drum of fuel for
a drum of jelly beans? I counted a total of 9 containers, plus the fuel.
Tomorrow I'll find my boxes in one of them and feel useful again.