Air NZ Blog #1 - Darryn

After a couple of weeks of intense training and then a delayed departure of three days due to bad weather in Antarctica, we finally made it here.

Some people have asked me my first impressions and to be perfectly honest, words cannot describe the sheer magnitude of the beauty down here. Yes it is the land of snow and ice, but I am in simple awe of the landscape and beauty it holds.

Once we arrived at Scott Base, it was like meeting old workmates. Everyone we had been on training with was here and they welcomed us with open arms. The crew who had also spent the winter here were just as welcoming and treated us a part of the team.

Within 30 minutes of arriving on base, in the middle of our induction, we were straight into it with a fire drill. Our training in Christchurch came in handy as we were assigned tasks straight away to assist with the drill. We currently run two drills per day to get everyone accustomed to different scenarios and what it is like dealing with potential real life situations in temperatures well below zero and in confined spaces.

Getting used to the temperature is probably the biggest challenge. So far the warmest we have reached is -12 degrees C. On our arrival it was -23 degrees C. with the wind. The wind plays a significant factor in what we are able to do down here. The wind drops the temperature quickly and also stirs up the snow causing conditions to go from pleasant to dangerous within minutes. When outside you need to be prepared for the worst at all times.

I have been fortunate enough to make several trips across to McMurdo Base (the American scientific base on Ross Island) picking up and dropping off cargo and bags. The drive over offers amazing views across the Ross Ice Shelf and Ross Sea as well as awesome views of Mt Discovery, Black Island, White Island and other significant landmarks in the area. For me it will become a daily routine of visiting McMurdo.

Next week we will receive our Field Training out on the ice, which is basically two days of training on how to survive on the ice. We will set up tents, a cooking area and shelter and spend the night out in the elements. Once this is completed we will have the opportunity to explore more of Antarctica, including pressure ridges and other walks in the area.

Wildlife is pretty scarce right now with the sea ice right up to the foot of the base, but we have had a seal visit us on a daily basis. He pops up from where we get our water and hangs out on the ice all day.