Dealing with the Antarctic Weather
Thursday, November 26th - The weather has been so-so during the past couple of days. We've had no real storms, although it's been windy at times with clouds. Yesterday, it even snowed for a good part of the day. This changing weather has brought us some surprises, such as a sleeping bag that suddenly got carried away by the wind, which René, our courageous photographer, quickly grabbed.
Last Sunday, no walk was organized. A little group of brave souls attempted a short walk, while others spent most of their day checking their mail or doing their laundry. Some even got to work! In the evening, Paul and some volunteers prepared some French fries, apparently a tradition at Utsteinen.
On Monday morning, the station was active again; everyone had returned to work with lots of energy. The flags have been set up and the camp has found the same beautiful colour it had in years past. The Basler returned bringing us and our Japanese neighbours, who camped not far from the station, the rest of our supplies. They are quiet end friendly neighbours; sometimes we see them leaving in a line on their ski-doos and then return a couple of hours later.
As soon as the weather clears up, Alain will head to the coast with Kristof and René to check on the ramp at Crown Bay and prepare for the arrival of the ship, which is scheduled for the end of December. It is then that the materials for the new garages will arrive. But until then, there's a lot to be done!
Christine Mattel
Picture: International Polar Foundation - © International Polar Foundation