Dear Grapevine

Sober at the South Pole

When I first realized I was a frozen alcoholic, I said the term sounded like a drink in a trendy bar. But it was just me—a recovering alcoholic working in Antarctica for four to six months of the year. This is my fourth season here and I just want everyone to know that AA is represented on all seven continents! Every Tuesday and Saturday at 6:30 p.m., we have a Friends of Bill W. meeting. We usually have two to eight members. I even got my 14-year chip here. 

For the past two years, I’ve been on a traverse from McMurdo Station to the South Pole, hauling fuel. Grapevine has been my lifesaver on these trips. AA literature is so important when I’m this far from home. I’m not sure if I’m the only recovering alcoholic found at the South Pole, but I sure am a happy, grateful one! Thank you, Grapevine!