Entries For: January 2008
2008-01-25
Leaving Antarctica
Most of us had long interviews with PolarPalooza this morning. The rest of the day was filled with some last minute packing and other preparations for the flight to Christchurch read more...
2008-01-24
McMurdo and Scott Stations
Some did short hikes in the hills around McMurdo, some of us had an out brief with NSF and Raytheon, while some handled ice cores and cargo. In the afternoon we had a guided tour to the nearby Scott Base (New Zealand). read more...
2008-01-23
Arrival at McMurdo Station
Today, we flew from Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station to McMurdo. We have been visiting the historical site of Scott’s hut. read more...
2008-01-22
Last day at South Pole
We had a tour of the new and old station today. Also, we visited the impressive research facilities in the “dark sector.” read more...
2008-01-21
All expedition members at South Pole
In the afternoon the remaining six expedition participants arrived at the South Pole and the expedition was completed. read more...
2008-01-20
Arrival at South Pole
Early in the morning six of us arrived at the South Pole as scheduled. We were met by representatives from National Science Foundation and Raytheon. A short briefing followed before we dived into our beds. Dead tired. read more...
2008-01-19
Last day in the camp for half of the group, with puzzle answer 11
This was the last day when we all were together in the field. Tomorrow morning six persons are airlifted to the South Pole whereas the remaining six stay behind to close down the camp. read more...
2008-01-18
Closing down
Preparations for wintering of equipment continue. We surveyed a snow runway for aircraft landings with radar, secured the modules and continued the maintenance of vehicles. read more...
2008-01-17
Preparing for winter
Many things need careful consideration when you leave equipment for a long, cold winter where severe storms may visit… read more...
2008-01-16
Establishing Camp Winter
It turned out that it was impossible to pull all our equipment to the South Pole and thus we decided to establish a winter camp at this location. read more...
2008-01-15
Critical decisions
Several alternatives for completing the first season are under consideration. Our top priority is to obtain the best possible starting point for science season #2. read more...
2008-01-14
Chinook stops
The transmission transfer-case on Chinook brakes down, meaning that we now have two inoperative vehicles. read more...
2008-01-13
Last science stop completed
We finished the last science stop by drilling more ice cores. In total we now have retrieved 700 meters of cores. read more...
2008-01-12
Visit of VIP group, with puzzle answer 10
This morning an international VIP group on their way to the Pole of Inaccessibility visited our traverse. read more...
2008-01-11
Roald Amundsen’s tent at the South Pole, with puzzle answer
If you dig 15 meter under the surface at the South Pole, the tent of Roald Amundsen could appear. read more...
2008-01-10
Blowing and drifting snow
Nothing makes life more difficult here than a strong wind on a cold day, blowing the snow down your neck and into your gloves. read more...
2008-01-09
7th differential brake down
We had several days with steady driving behind us but were suddenly reminded that nothing can be taken for granted read more...
2008-01-08
Another science stop accomplished
We arrived at one of our last science stops at lunch. After many weeks of practice, the work went smoothly and we basically finished late in the evening. read more...
2008-01-07
Scales of roughness
Large snow roughness features that can halt a vehicle are nearby, but our route has been chosen to avoid such pitfalls. read more...
2008-01-06
Into the waves
Having commenced our descent into the South Pole, the ride gets bumpier. But an otherwise long driving day was broken by a highly unexpected find. read more...
