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