David L. Harrowfield's Diary
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Law Base. Photo courtesy Mark Reading
Monday 11 December 2000, Law Base
Got "The Lodge" (my 'melon' hut) in order. It really is quite homely and I have been able to find a place for most of my things, yet still have space to move about. Quite different to the small huts and polar tents that I have been used to with the New Zealand Antarctic programme expeditions. Most importantly, I located some skin cream. Have had trouble with cracks opening in the fingers and my skin drying out. Finger nails have also been breaking off, so have cut them short.
11.30 pm: Have had a convivial yarn in the hut. Jim (Dr Jim Burgess) brought up on the computer aerial photos of the area which were of interest to Dave (Hurd), one of our two surveyors.
Tuesday 12 December 2000, Law Base
It makes a difference having plenty of room for dressing etc and I began the day with a decent wash. No shaving as a beard is a good idea for a trip of this duration. Today we will spend at least half the time on field training and make a courtesy visit to the Chinese and Russian stations (Zhongshan and Progress 2). Bill (Baxter) made porridge for breakfast and a loaf of bread made by Jim, went down a treat. At 9 began our field training with some discussion and a practical first aid scenario outside the hut, which went down well. We then had a simulated 'quad' (four-wheel motorbike) accident and while in the middle of this, two Russians came along the road. The exercise went very well and I was impressed with Rod Ledingham's 'quad bivy', a multi-coloured shelter with floor which we erected between the two quads. At the end of the day, had a convivial drink followed by blue-vein cheese on crackers, before a fine beef curry on rice, cooked by Dave.
Wednesday 13 December 2000
Have been most impressed with the way in which Bill has tackled the field training. I have never been in a SAR (Search and Rescue) exercise before, and this has been valuable. Had our usual convivial yarn in the evening after dinner and many laughs of course. Included were reminiscences of Jim and myself at the University of Canterbury in the 1970's. Turned in at 10.15. A beautiful still evening and the sun streaming in the door of 'The Lodge'.
Thursday 14 December 2000
Another special Antarctic experience. Bill, Ewan (McIvor) environmental scientist, Arthur (Moehrke) surveyor, and Dave, went down to Nella Fjord to try and locate the tide recorder. They were unsuccessful and because of the dangerous nature of the sea-ice, did not venture too far nor do any drilling. An extraordinary end to the day, was our first mass visit by members of the Chinese expedition. The Chinese people seem so happy and positive and we will no doubt see much more of them.