David L. Harrowfield's Diary
| David's home page |
Sunday 24 December 2000, Law Base
Today Ewan changed the 'grey-water' drum over and connected up two new gas cylinders. We use the gas for our small refrigerator which is kept out side and for all our cooking. A generator is used to charge batteries for our computers, video and digital cameras. I have been reading about the 'rock glaciers' of which there are several in the area. They also occur in the Southern Alps of New Zealand and in other parts of the world, notably in the Himilayas. They are extremely interesting and I hope to collect sufficient data in the field, to enable a paper to be written. I also spent an hour polishing up my knowledge of a few Chinese and Russian words which will make it a bit easier for communicating with our neighbours. Also helped move full 'grey-water' drums to the helicopter landing area and these will be flown out at the earliest opportunity.
Monday 25 December 2000
Had an excellent Christmas Day dinner which we all helped to prepare. It included roast leg of pork and roast potatoes, green beans and peas, but unfortunately the fine fruit jelly made by Arthur did not set (we actually ate it three days later). We were very busy with our pre-meal preparations when much shouting was heard outside and two Russians arrived, one in an improvised 'Father Christmas' attire and bearing a bag of gifts which included Russian gloves etc. Later in the evening Chinese arrived and later still two more Russians, one of whom who was one of the two doctors, proceeded to entertain us on his guitar with Russian love songs and a few other tunes which he and his friend who runs the communications at Progress 2, also sang to. In return Jim gave out presents which were most appreciated.
Wednesday 27 December 2000
At 2.10 pm today, it was wonderful to hear the New Zealand Scott Base station communications operator, speaking to a field party. I cannot get over how far the signal could be transmitted. They are on the same frequency which we use, but because of our small aerial, we are unable to communicate back to them. Today we also received visits from the two ANARE helicopters and gave the pilots Leigh Hornsby and Adrian Pate, a cup of tea and something to eat which they greatly appreciated. They delivered a box of 'goodies' from Davis. One of the scientists at the station, Jacqui de Croon , kindly made this up for us. There were Christmas mince pies, a Christmas pudding and other delectables.