Glaciologists Anna (Finland/Norway) and Kirsty (UK/Norway) are testing their ground penetrating radars and tuning their equipment.  Flight operator Andreas is happy with the ground testing of his unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and cannot wait to see his baby flying.  Geophysicist Ted (USA) has completed the tests of his instruments and is pulling the strings to have the logistics work out for us.  Safety manager Stein keeps the records tidy, and physician Ole makes sure that everybody is safe, sound and prepared for the long trip ahead.  We have been through a plethora of mandatory courses at McMurdo, and have been certified for waste management, wireless computing, safe field travel, repairing MSR multifuel stoves, driving ‘Pisten Bully’ and ‘Mattrack’ tracked vehicles, working at altitude, treating mountain sickness and generally behaving ourselves.  For the Norwegians the American passion for formal training may seem obsessive at times, but on the other hand no one complains about the service we are met with.  All we have to do is ask, and any problem is solved on the fly!

We have been celebrating Thanksgiving, explored the tramping opportunities of the surrounding hills, and visited Robert F Scott’s two huts at Hut Point and Cape Evans.  And together we have stood in front of the cross commemorating Scott and his men, on the summit of Observation Hill and pondered the words of Tennyson carved in wood: ”To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield”.  So now we are ready for the real work, waiting only for the word ”go” from Tom, John and the others at Camp Winter.  In about a week we hope to be seated on the plane for the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, where we will be spending another week acclimatising and loading fuel and supplies in preparation of the long journey to Troll Station.  Being the only town in Antarctica McMurdo has a lot to offer, but it is hardly a spot of beauty with its grit and corrugated metal shacks.  We are ready for the Big White Expanses!

Kirsty and Anna reading the names of Scott's polar party members and the famous words of Tennyson. Photo: S. Tronstad.