The most striking difference I noticed was the rather gloomy lighting here in Vermont. I have never been one to be bothered by the short days of winter. In fact, I have always sort of liked the grand procession of the seasons. However, when I returned from constant, bright sunlight, I found the winter gray to be rather depressing. After a month, I still feel that way, although I do notice that the days are getting longer.
If you are interested, there are several stories about the various science groups at the Beardmore Camp in this copy of the Antarctic Sun, the paper put out by Raytheon/NSF. A web page is in production showing the excellent field trip in all its glory. Link to follow.
We are in a brief break from the sub-zero weather we have been having the past week. People keep asking me if it was colder in Antarctica. The answer is yes, but -27F is still cold, no matter where you might be. It is also far more humid here than on the ice. Still, it is winter and we should expect cold weather in New England. It makes for a good snow base for different kinds of winter sports.