#AntarcticLog is a series of comics by Karen Romano Young. You can find the originals here. 

Celebrations!

Some years it seems like there’s so much to be glad about.

This June things seem special, and fragile. Might as well say hooray about what I can  say hooray about.  Here are a few celebratory #AntarcticLog to mark this June.

I love hearing from my friends at Palmer Station, Antarctica, and seeing photos from their Midwinter celebration. They are intrepid polar people — and they’re starting the slow roll toward the sun, now that the northern hemisphere is at peak solar power.

Happy Midwinter/Midsummer!

Another year, another Midwinter celebration, coming the same week as a uniquely American holiday, Juneteenth — June 19, 1865 — when the emancipation of enslaved people was announced in Texas. Black Independence Day, in other words.

Proud? Yeah, I’m proud. Proud of you if you’re LGBTQ, out and proud or an ally, and supporting human rights for all wherever you are. And extra proud if you’re a polar researcher from this community.  We’re here!

And finally — on this weekend —  American Independence Day.  Big Red is the parka worn by polar explorers supported by the United States Antarctic Program. Wishing everyone a glorious Fourth!

–Karen Romano Young is a writer, artist, deep-sea diver, and polar explorer. Follow her on Twitter & Instagram.