have an ICE day

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Shackleton Centenary

From the 15th and 16th of November:

There are these three guys, descendants of the early Antarctic explorers, who decided some time ago that they would like to re-create Shackleton's failed attempt at the Pole to celebrate the 100th anniversary. In order to do this, they had to start from Cape Royds, about 18 miles from McMurdo which meant they'd ski right by us. Luckily, my friend Kevin had told me that they were in the vicinity (even though I thought he was playing a joke on me at first). I watched the guys check out Vince's Cross at Hut Point from my dorm lounge window, and then after dinner I walked down to check out their campsite (not visible from town) with some friends. That night Kevin and I ran around town trying to find the girl who checks out the Hut keys as I agreed to take the guys into the Discovery Hut as their Hut Guide. The next morning at 8:15am, I met the three gentlemen at the Discovery Hut and accompanied them inside. Pretty unreal being there with three descendants of the early explorers. I pointed out the things that I remember about the hut and had them sign the guestbook. An hour later a crowd gathered to see the guys off. Kevin told as many people as possible the night before and that morning and even made a poster advertising the send-off. The guys skied over to talk with us a bit, and we even got to take turns holding Shackleton's compass. Then we cheered for them as they skied off towards Willy Field, one of our runways.

To see my photos: