Claire of the Antarctic

I feel rather lacking in facial hair to be in this photograph. Ben, centre, is sporting the Antarctic hero full on man beard, where as Iain, far right, is going for a rather adventurous goatee and twirly moustache combo! I must say having facial hair certainly down here certainly comes with the benefit of facial warmth and avoids the need for a balaclava!

Working in Antarctica certainly has its merits; living in one of the remotest locations in the World, with the most fabulous mountains. We are also fortunate in the mountaineers on base who are always keen to take you up along a ridge or to go ice-climbing. As Winter trips approach they are even more keen for us to practice our mountain skills and so last night I went out with Ben & Iain to climb along Reptile Ridge. The weather is turning now, it was -4C and rather breezy, and as nights are drawing in we had to factor in the available daylight left after finishing work.

Fortunately we were swift out onto the hills and able to climb a reasonable section of the ridge. I am becoming more familiar with the climbing equipment, harnesses, crampons, ice axes, helmets, ropes, and jingly janglies, the local terminology for the metal work one attaches to the harness. It really is quite incredible to finish work at 5pm and by 6pm be front pointing up the side of a steep ice ridge. This all counts as useful experience for search and rescue skills for the doctor too!

The planes have departed Rothera, the only remaining event now prior to Winter starting is the arrival of the RRS Shackleton due to arrive on 25th March to Rothera. Our two final incoming Winterers will disembark, all non Wintering personnel will board the ship and then as they set sail, our next adventure will begin. It is quite an exciting time on base and also an opportune time for reflection, and the perfect place to do so I find is meandering around the Point. And so I thought I would share with you the view from North Beach, looking homeward bound. In the foreground is a Weddell Seal, enjoying the calm day, the Stokes Peaks form the mountain range in the far left and I think a lenticular cloud is visible too. I hope you too enjoy the view!

And so the busy airport that is Rothera International has now become devoid of planes, these will not return until October. The only caveat to this is in the event of medical emergency which necessitates medical evacuation during Winter. Touch wood this will not be necessary, and in fact I sent the pilots off under strict instruction to eat an apple a day to keep the doctor away!

The following day, 11th March, saw the Dash depart Rothera, and so just as we had amassed to wave off the Twin Otters, we did so for the Dash also. Fortunately the departure time permitted daylight viewing opportunities for both aircrew and land based support staff.

My photographic skills are still in early stages of creation, and so you will have to trust me that this photograph does indeed show the final Twotter departing Rothera.

Myself, JJ, the diving Office, Collette, the marine biologist and Madeleine loitering with intent waiting for the first Twin Otter to taxi for take off.

Typically all members on base congregate in order to wave off the planes and their crew, and despite the darkness we all amassed at the boundary of the runway to honour tradition.

It is quite strange when you realise that your body now finds darkness at nightime unusual rather than the norm. It was completely dark when the final Twin Otter planes departed Rothera last week on 10th March 2010. The late departure time was chosen to afford the most favourable conditions for the flight across Drakes Passage towards Punta Arenas.

This was the first time we have seen the runway lit for night flying and one Winterer commented how like the city it was!

Eventually the Snow Petrel must have regained sufficient strength to be on it’s way for on retracing my steps later that morning the bird had disappeared. During the Winter months the Snow Petrels remain in Antarctica, and so they will remain one of the few other lifeforms on Antarctica during the dark months, I think I shall be quite glad to see these dove-like birds soaring against Winter night skies.