Reaching the base - 8 February
- Published: 14 February 2008 08:23
- Author: Phil Wells
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- Last Updated: 14 February 2008 08:23
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Friday 8 February
-9.5 deg C
Clear but stormy skies over the sea.
I had my alarm set for 5am and when I woke the ship was moving really slowly and smoothly.
On deck I could see we were approaching the edge of the Brunt ice shelf, looking for a suitable place to tie up. We were at creek 4, where the Shackleton and the Amderma had made the first call this season to off-load their cargo. This is the preferred landing point and the closest route to Halley. There was already a BAS welcoming party ready to meet us and a number of exercises started to test the integrity of the sea ice and moor up the Shackleton.
It wasn't until after lunch when we were allowed off the ship, which was good because we were able to fit in breakfast, mid-morning snack and lunch first. I said good bye to everyone I'd met on the ship. I told Danny the Chef I'd miss him. Without looking up from what he was doing he said 'oh good bye bye'. Such dedication in his work.
Then we were off the ship, lots of photo opportunities on the sea ice before being towed in the 'happy sledge' behind a skidoo, and then jumping in a sno-cat for a bumpy one-hour ride to Halley.
This first day has been unbelievable - because I still can't believe we are here and because the process of taking it all in has been punctuated by several inductions. Vicky, (Base Commander) gave us a talk on the 'dos and dont's' around Halley and showed us round the Laws building. Karl (BAS agent for the Halley build) took us around the site, and explained the layout and facilities. Gavin (Morrison) gave us a talk on health and safety around the site, and Martin (head of vehicles) showed us how not to fall off a ski-doo.
Also, taking a look round site and settling into the environment took the remainder of the day. Tomorrow is This first day has been unbelievable – because I still can't believe we are here and because the process the first full day on site. The Morrison team had made lots of progress since the last site pictures I had seen, and the site is changing every day. As well as acting as site architect I would be working as a cladding fixer and labourer and I am really looking forward to it. Saturday tomorrow and first day on site.
