Live from Antarctica: Second Day On Site

We level out a square having sides measuring 30 metres where the two big tents (office and mess tent) will be mounted over the next coming days. We delimitate the space needed for the tents and containers.

Later, we start with the traverses between the container depot and base camp, without any difficulties. Everything had been wonderfully planned and the winter having been as wild as unpredictable did not contradict what Alain had imagined.

Little by little, each one of us figures out where and what we are to do. The positive attitude having characterised last year's expedition is clearly coming back. The cohesion of the group is coming back, even though it is so heterogeneous in composition.

In the afternoon, Michel takes some video footage of the station. He is filming Alain's message to King Albert which will be broadcasted on November 15th in celebration of his 15 years of reign. This will be the first of a series of short sequences which will be sent back weekly by satellite.

This report, shorter than that which was written yesterday, is being written while stories and souvenirs are being told around the table after a dinner which was prepared by François. Outside, the sun is shining low upon the horizon: a beautiful and colourful view full of contrasts.

Nathalie Pattyn