Talk about getting thrown into the cold!

After we unloaded the plane we were driven over to the Galley for a briefing. After the briefing Joe and I met our boss and he told us the were to report to building 4 at 9am tomorrow for "Happy Camper". He sounded way to happy to tell us that.



Happy Camper is a outdoor survival class. The first 2 hours of class was spent in the classroom telling us what "could" happen in Antarctica. We then loaded up in 2 large trucks called Delta's. Mine trucks with passenger boxes on the back. We drove over the hill towards the NZ Scott's base and on the the sea ice which is many feet thick. We arrived at the "I-Hut" (Instructor Hut) and went inside and they talked about how to use the stove and other survival gear. After that we went outside and put up some yellow Scott Tents. This is the same design of tent Scott used back in 1901. Basic 4 sides with metal posts and a tube sock type opening. Weight 80lb.

We then had to make a wall to help block the wind. so we got some saws out and started cutting some snow blocks. Before we were done with the wall they should how to make a Qunsi (spelling?) aka a snow cave in flat land. Basically we stacked all our gear bags in a pile put a tarp over them and threw snow on them.

After we packed it down and was the right thickness we went on to setting up a basic mtn tent. We set up about 5 of them. Then we went back to the Qunsi and dug a hole in the side and pulled out all the gear bags. Now we have another type of shelter. They also showed us a Trench shelter. You dig a trench (grave) a little bigger then you and cut some blocks of snow to cover the trench after you get in.

The whole day was clear and little wind. Here is a pic of Mt. Erebus. That is steam coming off the top. We also had some helicopters flying us to.

About 8pm the instructors dropped off 2 boxes and then walk backed to there heated hut. They told us they would be back at 8:30am and the camp should be broke down by then. I had a feeling this was coming. Well Joe and I put our gear in one of the mtn tents and made some dinner. It takes a long time to boil water when it well below 0. Here's a pic of Joe hiding behind the wall trying to get some water.

The red coats everyone is wearing are Canadian Goose Down aka Big Red. They are damn warm. Note all the flags in the back ground, standing straight out.

Here I am in front of Mt. Erebus.

Joe and I went to bed around 12:30am time fly's when it dosen't get dark. The both of us didn't get any sleep. The wind shifted over night and we were snow drifted in. None of us wanted to get out of out our luke warm sleeping bags but we had to break down camp. After camp was broke we went over to the I-Hut to talk about the night and learn how to use the radio. About 2pm we headed back to McMurdo.

After looking at the over night low I would not chose to do that again.

Air temp -28 F. Windchill alot colder!!!