We’re not alone anymore…!
October 11th, 2009 Posted in Antarctica
A big day yesterday – the first flight to Rothera for some 8 months and the arrival of new faces and some fresh supplies! Our first arrivals this season aren’t our own people but are in fact two aircraft contracted to the US Antarctic Program on their way over to McMurdo station via us and the South Pole. Our aircraft are making their way down through the Americas right now and are scheduled to arrive in about a week’s time. Fortunately, our visitors were generous enough not to arrive empty handed – a crate of fresh fruit and vegetables from the Punta Arenas supermarket was very quickly the centre of attention as soon as it was unloaded from the aircraft!
Marginal weather across the continent will keep our friends on the ground here for at least another day - I guess that means we haven’t scared them off yet despite the incredible urge to stare open-mouthed at the seven new people! All that we’d been warned of seems to be true and it’s quite a bizarre feeling having new things pitch up on base after we’ve been all alone for 7 months. Brunch seemed like an incredibly busy affair today – an extra table had to be added in the dining room and I actually had trouble following conversation around the table with all the extra noise…! Totally crazy!
3 Responses to “We’re not alone anymore…!”
By Mum on Oct 11, 2009
Glad you are not alone!
Well done the Americans for bringing fresh fruit & veg to you.
You won’t get scurvy now, will you, Me Hearties! Are you all taking vit c?
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Andy Reply:
October 14th, 2009 at 12:37 pm
It wasn’t Americans, actually Canadian aircraft and crews on contract to the USAP.
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By Dad on Oct 15, 2009
Interesting that the Canadian company does the polar flying for the Americans. These are the same guys that did the mid-winter rescue of the US doctor from the South Pole one year!
Any signs of your own guys yet?
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