Uststeinen Basecamp is emptying
The weather is still very good but colder, with temperatures varying between -15 during the day and -22 to -26 at night, and no wind. The traverse left this morning with Rene Wagemans, Olivier Grasselli, Philippe Sohet and Bernard Polet on two Prinoths. It will take more time than usual as they have to bring back the last 220 drums from the coast.
There are 14 people left in camp which means only 4 to do the shutdown, since the Prefalux team is still working in the station and the cooks are ... well ... cooking for everyone. A lot of personal equipment has been shipped out on the last flight. Greg and Julien started drilling for the science platform this morning while Alain continues to remove the wood from the scaffolding, which is almost completely dismantled.
Yesterday, Alain prepared the airstrip and surroundings to make sure that everything is optimized for next year. After 4 hours of work, the area between the airstrip and the drums that are stored on the wooden sledges was totally flat. He has also started to remove the ramp on the east side of the ridge and it is going quite smoothly. The entrance hall to the station is now ready and will hold the kitchen and office during the last week.
The stainless steel exterior is finished, except for the prolongation of the garde corps to the two doors which will be done next year.
We can all be proud of it, says Alain.
Picture: Station in the sun - © International Polar Foundation