Rothera, Antarctica

Sun rise over Rothera at 9:15.

Rothera, Antarctica

Rothera, Antarctica

It's not the best photo, but it really captures what it was like- blinding sun light, and strong, gusting winds, on our decent from North Stork.

Rothera, Antarctica

Rothera, Antarctica

Today started out pretty overcast and very windy. Despite this, Scott very kindly took Tim and me up to North Stork to climb Straight from the Freezer, a three pitch mixed route. As the day progressed the winds remained but the cloud thinned. By the time we topped out the sun was shining and the remaining clouds had twisted themselves into the most incredible formations.

Rothera, Antarctica

Over the winter Dr Rob doc is running Docschool. So far we have learnt some basic first aid, triage and how to prepare the surgery. Today Rob also taught us how to put cannulas in. Here's Tom expertly demonstrating how it's done, while I'm expertly demonstrating how to look cool, calm and collected and not at all scared! Thanks to Dale and Tom for the photo.

Myth, Antarctica

Myth, Antarctica

Scott and Dale visiting during an afternoon of lie-up. Pyramid tents work incredibly well and are very comfortable. They are tall enough to stand up in, with plenty of space to hang wet gear. With the stove and the tilly lit we managed to get the temperature up to a sweltering 30 degrees, while outside the storms raged on. We put our lie-up time to good use. Steve taught me to splice ropes, I started (but then gave up on) Wuthering Heights, Scott beat us all at yahtzee, and Scott and Dale decided on the definition of a gentleman (someone who waits for a girl to leave the tent before farting).

Myth, Antarctica

Antarctica in winter can be a bit blustery (even in its first week). High winds, low cloud and a lot of snow kept us tent bound for several days but it was still a great experience, and every so often the cloud would lift to reveal snatches of the surrounding, spectacular views.

Myth, Antarctica

High winds and heavy snowfall can cause serious problems so campcraft it pretty important here. From foreground to background is a skidoo (fully tarped up and pointing into the wind. Skidoos have been known to blow away!), a nansen sledge (carrying fuel, tents, food, first aid equipment, and spares of everything), second skidoo, second nansen sledge, and pyramid tent (sleeps two people very comfortably). This is then repeated down the line for the second pair. All the equipment is constructed in an evenly spaced line, facing into the wind, to allow snow to channel through, and prevent anything being buried in drifts.

Myth, Antarctica

During the winter every member of the team heads out into the field for a winter trip. The idea behind it is to give everyone a break from base (and base a break from everyone!) and to provide field training. Four of us (Scott and Dale, Steve and me) headed out just two days after the Shack left. Each pair travels with two skidoos and two nansen sledges, all roped up to protect against crevasse falls. We skidooed to the south-west of Adeleide Island to an area known as Myth, and set up camp.

Rothera, Antarctica

Rothera wintering team, enjoying winter (10 minutes in). From left to right: George (winter base commander), Steve (field assistant), Phil (dive officer), Sir Dave (field assistant), Scott (field assistant), Mairi (marine assistant), Tim (sparky), Dr Rob doc (chef. Just kidding- he's the doctor), Justin (chef), Adam (comms manager), Tim Boat (boating officer), me (meteorologist), Jack (vehicle mechanic), Ash (field assistant), Tom (electronic engineer), Dale (plumber), Ash (marine biologist), Rob (generator mechanic). With the Shack in the distance. Thanks very much to Adam for the great picture.

Rothera, Antarctica

Amidst our farewell rockets and flares the Shack turned to face us, honked on her horn, and then headed off to start her long journey back to the UK.

Rothera, Antarctica

Ice on the Shack's mooring ropes.

Rothera, Antarctica

Ever since I got this job, I have been told about what it will be like when the Shack leaves Rothera for the last time at the end of summer. For the wintering team it is a very significant moment. Although we have been living and working together for the last six months, it has been on a bustling, busy and light base full of people and activity. The Shack leaving marks the beginning of winter and the point of no return. I think all of us were looking forward to it with equal measures of trepidation and excitement. The night before the Shack was due to set sail we were invited on board, as is tradition, for drinks and a winterers dinner. Early the next morning, with sore heads and slightly jittery stomachs that had nothing to do with the night before, we all gathered at the wharf to wave her off.