Port Lockroy blog #3: We've arrived!
18/11/2022
Pictured above and below: heavy snow made access to Bransfield House and the Nissen Hut hard work. Credit: Flo Kuyper
So, what has arrival meant? Well, it began by being reunited as a team – it was great to be back together again and share stories of our different journeys south. It was snowing/raining on arrival so first things first we got ourselves and our luggage inside. We trudged past the Navy who, visiting on HMS Protector, had been very generously helping to dig Bransfield House out of the snow. We entered our new home via the ‘boot room’ wiping everything down as we entered to keep as much moisture out as possible. The Nissen hut – our new home – had been gradually defrosting over the last few days but remained with a chill in the air and the need to manage condensation would become an important focus. Tea went on and we settled in. In no time we felt at home. Clare showed us around the island and we were ready to help out with the digging.
Pictured (above) the team get much needed help to dig their way into their new home, and (below) the team wave goodbye to new friends and home comforts! Credit: Luis Felipe, Roald Amundsen expedition photographer @ifollowmycamera
The expedition team from MS Roald Amundson joined us for a stint after they had finished Zodiac cruising with the guests and made short work of clearing one wall of Bransfield House – light could enter the shop again. Teal Morgan was amongst the team who came ashore. His father had built the Nissen hut and Teal was very excited to finally see inside when I gave him a tour. As we waved them off with promises to see each other again in a few weeks we were alone in the snow. Our home for the next 16 weeks. The days are flying by already…you guessed it, lots of snow digging has been involved but we’ll share more soon as we set up for the season ahead.
Lucy Bruzzone, Base Leader, Port Lockroy
Many historic expeditions and explorers, including the men of Operation Tabarin (a top secret mission to Antarctica during World War II) have followed this same route to Antarctica. Whilst I set sail on a modern ship, the 14 men of Operation Tabarin left Stanley on 2 small ships, one of which was not ice strengthened. Not only did they have the dangers of a polar expedition in front of them, but also the potential threat of enemy forces during WWII.
This film captures the 134ft HMS William Scorseby at sea in Feb 1944 (Reproduced courtesy of BAS Archives, Ref AD6/16/1944/1.1).We, like our polar ancestors, are now heading South through the furious 50°'s and eventually to the screaming 60°’s, where the winds batter the Southern Ocean, with terrifying intensity. I cannot begin to imagine what it would have been on The Scorseby, with the men of Operation Tabarin in such weather. I am hoping to experience some of the beauty and wonder of Antarctica's wildlife on my journey there. With perhaps a small bit of Antarctic adventure thrown in. Although perhaps I should be careful what I wish for!
Follow the team's progress on social media using #BacktoAntarctica
