Wednesday, 20 June 2012

Mid winter's day in Antarctica - 42 years ago.

After four months at Scott Base, I arrived at Lake Vanda in January 1970 where I spent 10 months as a science technician. We celebrated mid-winter on 21 June 1970, some 42 years ago today .




laboratory at Vanda station. For electricity we used a wind generator to charge our 24 volt Nicad batteries. When there was no wind, we would use a small Petter diesel generator. Photo: Bob McKerrow
For hygiene purposes, our toilet at Vanda Station was outside. Here is Tony Bromley on the thunder-box. When it got below - 40 degrees Celcius. it was dangerous as ones backside would stick to the painted seat and rip skin off. To solve this problem we made polystyrene seat covers to protect our bums. Photo: Bob McKerrow

On reflection, the 13 months I spent in Antarctica were among the best of my life.

I remember vividly the last helicopter leaving us in early February and we knew it would be at least nine months before we saw anyone else.

At the end of the long winter's night where it was totally dark for four months, I looked in the mirror and saw myself for the first time in five months. I wrote in my diary " A man without a woman about him is a man without vanity."

A few weeks later while reflecting on the winter, I wrote " I turned 22 in March, it is now September. During the past five months I have got to know and understand my worst enemy, myself."

The Wright Valley, View north through Bull Pass into Victoria Valley. The small stream flowing west (into Lake Vanda) is the Onyx.

The view of the Wright Valley taken from the survey station on the summit of Mt Newall (which now has a micro-wave tower on it).

We did long trips on foot in the late Autumn, throughout the winter and early Spring. Bob McKerrow left and Gary Lewis right, with frozen beards and faces. Photo: Bob McKerrow



Bath time at Vanda Station. Gary Lewis having a bath after six months Photo; Bob McKerrow

The old hand painted sign outside Vanda Station

There was also the poem I wrote just before the long winter's night ended.

I journeyed south to an icy cage
The sun never shone, there was no day
When I looked into the jaws of night
Far off I saw the threads of life
Twisting themselves into an eternal web
That stretched unbroken from dawn to death
It was the Aurora that gladdened the eye
A frenetic serpent that snaked the sky
Pouring mellowed colours that sparkled rime
On icy pendants soon to sublime.
Yes high above towers all form
Soon will come the first blush of dawn
My life has changed my dash is done
O welcome the King, O welcome the sun

The Aurora Australialis

19 comments:

Ruahines said...

Kia Ora Bob - Ataahua. Great stuff and a lovely poem. Wish I would have known you when I was 22 but pretty cool now as well. What's in the glass being held in the bath? Also Bob, how do your knees make it through airport security? Heading back home next week and wondering about my hip. Te hei Mauri Ora!
Robb

Anonymous said...

The latter study was secondary research owing to the fact that no specific measures were done first hand. vpn stat id

Anonymous said...

These laptops have been repaired or made as good as new. pptp authentication. After sildenafil has entered the blood stream of a man, it heads to the smooth muscles that are found in the penis. wrvsn wireless n vpn router

Anonymous said...

It would make you appear fantastically edgy andugg boots toast assists develop a design assertion in the exact same time. Airport car hire operators have dedicated desks at airports and full operational office., unblock in facebook. Computer warranty is also helping you in your computer service. face recognition software download

Anonymous said...

Reach out and accept a helping hand of someone who cares. add vpn

Anonymous said...

So do worry that you will have more adipose accumulation after have eaten them. dowland gratis emule v0 47c

Anonymous said...

Data compression capability of quantum ultrium2 drive is 2:1. Among some of the notable fields, include engineering, construction, and defense., master server cod. You could do this with a loved one! proxy dog com

Anonymous said...

There are number of company law firms that offer service tax registration services with the high quality service that could best meet client's requirement. microsoft virtual server demo

Anonymous said...

Most of these lock pick guns are manufactured by standard and well established locksmith companies and therefore come with a well written user manual so the users can learn how to use these lock pick guns prior to the actual use. If you have no plan yet about what to give to your woman friend on this special day, worry not! can t locate module ppp. Try to pay attention to which movements trigger your pain because it can help your doctor and physical therapist determine the problem. Online dating sites are very popular and don’t hold the stigma they once did., client security 7 12 build. Besides this, there is a need for a comprehensive analysis of some of these differences. private jets gulfstream

Anonymous said...

The teeth on the upper and lower halves of the mouth will be able to stick together with ease. This was also a historic event in the history of solar power because the older solar cells made of selenium were not safe for commercial production with the manufacturing techniques available at the time. neural network controller. Predesigned templates which are already in market, people do not have to care about their site navigation and logo etc. This information can be only seen when given access by a school administrator., rainmaster remote. This means that they have to adhere to the topic given, work as per the instructions and provide the best services that satisfy the clients. server per counter strike

Anonymous said...

I ωant to tο thanκ you foг this good rеad!
! Ι аbsоlutеly loved eѵеrу littlе bit οf it.
I have got yоu boοκmarked to
look at neω things you post…
Feel free to surf my webpage ... Americas Cardroom Poker Bonus

Anonymous said...

I аbsolutely love your webѕіte.. Еxcellent colors
& themе. Did you creаte thіs web ѕitе
yourself? Please reply back as I'm looking to create my very own blog and would love to find out where you got this from or just what the theme is called. Thank you!

My site - High Stakes Offer

Anonymous said...

Mira Hair Oil is a simple item to make use of, all
you have to do is to try using 1 / 2 a teaspoon or even a full teaspoon at the most plus massage the oil directly on your scalp and hair.

As well as in this article I am going to explain why and how
to use it to cultivate hair - According to dermatologist Marianne ODonoghue
its the most proven supplement for growing a prolonged mane.
Quality Omega 3 fish oils are generally derived from cold-water fishes like mackerel,
sardines, salmon, and tuna. Khas (Vetiveria Ziziniodis):-
used as an effective hair restorer. There are many
products these days that can help with keeping your
hair in good condition but what of oils.

Feel free to visit my site :: wavy hairstyles

Anonymous said...

Can I publish your post to my weblog? I'll add a one-way link to your forum. That’s one really sweet post.

Feel free to visit my homepage ... i'm having trouble getting pregnant

Anonymous said...

Howdy! I just want to give a huge thumbs up for the good information you’ve got right here on this post.
I shall be coming again to your weblog for extra soon.


Here is my webpage: ÕýʽµÄ°æ±¾.´Ëϵͳֱ½ÓÉÏ´«µ½ÄãµÄÍøÕ¾¿Õ¼ä¾Í¿ÉÒÔʹÓÃÁË¡£±¾ÏµÍ³·ÖÆóÒµÍøÕ¾¹ÜÀíϵͳ¼òÌåÖÐÎÄ°æ

Anonymous said...

Be certain counselors from the debt consolidation
loans for bad credit consolidating debts organization is accredited.

There are many options available online debt consolidation loans for bad credit nowadays to help you get that peace of mind.

Long term and low interest student loans. At the same time.

Let creditors know if you're using a debt consolidation firm. So keep it safe without allowing anyone to access your credit history. If you are burdened with multiple debts.

Also visit my weblog - loan consolidation

Anonymous said...

Once tickets and points are eradicated from your driving record
clean. A lien is a claim on your own insurance, make sure to ask agents
about them. Online Auto Insurance Auction recommends that policyholders contact their insurers
or agents if they would like to have. If you buy this coverage from the car rental company of who exactly will be driving.
The motorcycle insurance policy is? Beginning from the protection of
your automobile, headache starts when the insurance company.


my web blog ... car insurance

Anonymous said...

Your How To Attract Women loves you. And another word of advice, don't fall in love with and on your intentions. You're going to want to date him.

The one thing bad boysand stand-up guyshave that nice guys just don't.

my weblog - ways to attract women

Anonymous said...

Thank you so very much for posting your experience for the world to see. Have you ever considered trying Ellesmere Island which is the high arctic in Canada? I know someone who did it and said it was a lifetime experience, such beauty, something he will remember the rest of his life.