A lot Going On

I Can't believe my time here at Halley Research station is coming to an end. The time has gone so quickly  and with only 9 days until the first group leave, every one is working flat out to achieve deadlines. The Construction workers and vehicle operators having battled against the weather on numerous occasions, finally started moving the modules to the new site Halley VI, In spite of a few problems that had set them back slightly.

Out of the 8 modules 4 have been moved, 2 science and 2 energy pods, they are now joined in position by link bridges.

Having watched the moving of the modules it was truly a spectacular sight and worthy of being shown on the TV programmes, Monster moves and Mega Structures.

It will be a magnificent sight when all 8 are in position and linked. The one that we all want to see will be the big red one.

 To give you an Idea of the scale involved in the move, the Red module weighs approx 200 tons, and the blue energy modules are not far behind as they house the generators

The first of the modules head off to their new home, Halley VI
this is the Science pod with observation gallery

The New site is being surveyed, while they erect the steel posts ready for the antennae

The posts are locked onto the bases, and is the first structure seen on the new site.

The rods are fixed onto the booms ready for lifting onto the posts.

The Mantis Crane is used to position the booms into place.
Now we may be able to recieve coronation Street.
I was told that there is approx 17km of cable laid to service this site, which by now is probably 5 metres buried under Ice.

This is the Shackleton Ship (and an Adelie penguin) that will be taking the 3rd group off Antarctica, I will be sailing on her. I will also have to work on a rotation basis until we get to the Falklands. We will be 10 days at sea.
The first group will be flying out of Halley on the 19th Feb, they will travel to Cape Town. The 2nd Group also flies out of Halley on the 22nd Feb, that will be when we Close the Drewry, give it a good scrubout and lock it up for the winter.
We chefs then all go to the Laws for the last push. When the Shack arrives on the 25th Feb we board her and sail on the 28th. Leaving the 4th and last group to sail out on the JCR (James Clark Ross)another Science Ship working for BAS.  The JCR sails on the 4th March Leaving the Wintering team to keep the base running  until next Summer season. When everything begins again. Only this time at the new base 15 km away.....Hopefully!


So for your Entertainment I have included a few pictures of  random stuff , In no particular order, of  my time on the Ice. A mish mash of things I've seen and done...... Enjoy.

A poster put up to advertise Folk night next Friday 18th Feb. This is where you get to sing, dance, tell jokes, recite poetry, act or play an instrument. It should be a giggle.

We are also holding an Antarctic Marathon around the parimeter for charity. Lots are taking part, I won't be as I will be feeding them when they finish. This takes place on Sunday.
Not many people can say they have completed a Marathon on Antarctica.

A pool Competition was held over the last few weeks in the Hard Ice Bar, this was the Final and a real fun night. I got knocked out in the 2nd round.

Craig the Electrician servicing Breathing Apperatus

The Halley Sky, showing a the sun at midnight

Another sunny shot in the evening about 9.00 pm with the sun behind one of the Modules

Another Sky shot with Tony Snow Kiting

Clear as a bell, Ice and Sky

Different colours are starting to show as we approach winter and the sun starts to set.
February the 14th is supposed to be when we get good sunsets

The Sun taken through a flag

Yet another midnight shot with a band of sunlight seperating the Ice and Sky

Mark crouching on the Ice for a shot of the sun going down. this was about 1.00am

A different cloud formation over the drum line of the parimeter. Note the blue band of sky splitting the white.

lovely clear day with great contrast, garage in the distance, my shadow in the fore

A BBQ on Antarctica was done by the South Africans on base, this was great as it gave all the chefs the evening off

Arman taking charge.

Russell carrying hot embers to keep the Barbie going

My first BBQ in Freezing weather it was a good evening. Tony next to me getting the drinks

John waiting for the next bus home.
We had just done some drum raising to Windy Creek, no sound no birds, so tranquil

Carl Ice Climbing at Creek 3...

Pictures of Snow Petrels over the Ice Cliffs

A walk out to the memorial just off the parimeter drum line. This is to commemorate all those that have died at Halley. You will notice i am squinting, even with it being overcast the brightness is blinding. The snow was getting deep too.

The Morrisons Consruction workers built an Igloo off Parimeter, and spent a couple of nights in it.

The Halley Halo with the Signpost.

Craig and paul digging the melt tank with the Halo

Colony of penguins at windy creek

This was when we went to Creek 3 to see the penguins. I am 2nd from the left, videoing Lenny Sledging

There goes Lenny, great fun.

These have to be my favourite plane, used by BAS the Basslers (Douglas DC3s)

Old but very reliable. The DC3s and the Twin Otters, ferry people in and out of Antarctica.

A lone Penguin....

Here i am chatting with James and Tim the Vehicle operators, Note my Antarctic beard

How much bread, we have calculated that by the time we leave Halley in less than 2 weeks, we would have produced 43,000 bread rolls

A twin Otter does a fly by over the modules. This plane came in to take Ryan our scientist home as his work is now complete. We all went out to wave him off. The pilot told us he would do a low level fly past so we could take pics.

He was very Low..... Good Bye Ryan and Good Luck...

The morrison crew going to work in a blow

The melt tank still has to be dug and filled, even in a storm

I'm sure there is a hole here somewhere?

Here is me waiting in the departure lounge at Halley airport.

And I have to end with one of the Icebergs floating off the Ice Shelf. They are gigantic.
Hopefully i will get more pics like this when i am on my way home on the Shackleton...

I would just like to thank every one for my birthday greetings and comments, it is really appreciated.
I will post more when it happens......See you all soon....