Howdy again everyone. It’s been a busy couple weeks as I have been training lots of scientists the art of snowmobiling, selling paintings at the McMurdo craft show, and doing Search & Rescue training. I have lots of new material to post, just not enough time, so please be patient, but there is lots more exciting things to come. : )
Here is part 2 of my Cape Evans post. I hope you enjoy the pictures. It was one of the most incredible days I have had in this amazing place.
Some beautiful ice crystals near Cape Evans, Antarctica.
Ice crystal formations near Cape Evans, Antarctica.
The Barne Glacier. This is the end of the glacier where it runs into the Ross Sea.
Icebergs frozen into the Ross Sea at Cape Evans, Antarctica.
The remains of a dog in the stable area of R.F. Scott’s Hut at Cape Evans, Antarctica. The chain and collar are still on the dog. It looks like it simply laid down to rest on it’s bed and died. : ( The early explorers used dog teams to reach the South Pole and they were often used as food when they became weak.
A snowshoe made for a horse. R.F. Scott tried to use horses to reach the South Pole, but they proved to be unsuccessful. When they could no longer make it though the deep snow, the horses were killed and used for food.
A huge stack of seal blubber. The seal blubber was used to provide both food (which likely sucked) and was burned in “blubber stoves” to heat the historic huts of the early Antarctic explorers. The blubber still appears to be oozing fats and oil as there is nothing here to cause decomposition. No insects, rodents, and freezing temps year round. The smell of the blubber is very distinct and quite noticeable in Scott’s hut at Cape Evans, and the Discovery Hut located at Hut Point.
Tea and other supplies inside of Scott’s Hut at Cape Evans, Antarctica.
The dining table inside Scott’s Hut at Cape Evans. Both Shackleton and Scott’s expeditions used this table. Imagine the holiday celebrations the men had, the discussions, the planning for their attempts to be the first to reach the South Pole. The history just oozes out of this fantastic place and you can literally feel it. Amazing!
Medical supplies inside the hut. Everything is still in place, as if the men would be returning at any time.
A table containing artifacts and science projects of the early Antarctic explorers. The emperor penguin is not stuffed. It is just as it was originally left. History is frozen in time.
Here I am looking like I have bug eyes. LOL. In the background you can see an iceberg frozen in the Ross Sea, and Mt Erebus erupting! Such an awesome day!!
gregontheice 