It is in the dim light of the midnight sun that you rise for your daily meal. You swim up with the rest of your brethren, one of millions looking to feast in the waters above. You filter the water near the surface, eating until you’re full and green, your translucent body showing the signs of a breakfast well eaten. When you finish, you sink down to let others come through to the buffet.

When most people think of Antarctica, they probably think of one of a few things: penguins; snow and cold climates; or the South Pole. Not everyone realizes that Antarctica is actually the world’s largest desert, with an area equalling the Sahara, Australian, and Arabian Deserts combined. In fact, it is home to some of the driest places on the planet. In addition to the cold and harsh environment, there’s little that wants to live there. That doesn’t stop life from looking to flourish on our coldest continent.

The sun shines down on the partially snow-covered tundra, the days becoming longer and warmer. Snow melt can be heard trickling down through the rocky landscape towards the river. It’s also the first time in eight months that Sik, an arctic ground squirrel, peeks his head outside of his burrow.

The first thing you ought to do is make sure you have all the materials you will need and know how to use them. The best way to do this is read the entire guide *first* and *then* collect them.

don't look, don't watch
as the sun rises to start a new day
as the dark blues give way to soft orange
as the sun arcs across the sky
and kisses your skin
bringing warmth and light

We were deep in the Black Forest when we came upon a bird that had never been reported in the area. The bird was brightly colored, with red, yellow, and orange feathers. We estimate it to be around 30 centimeters tall with a wingspan of about a meter. Its tail feathers are around two meters long, the coloring variegated in a way that makes it appear as if they are flames.