David L. Harrowfield's Diary
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Sunday 7th January 2001
This morning with John's assistance, some soil and water sampling was undertaken along the road near the turn-off to Law Base. The road is a dusty surface with pebbles and sand and like any country road shows up oil spills. Adrian meanwhile had continued with my examination of the structure making up one of the rock glaciers near Law Base. These are quite different to normal glaciers in that, the surface is entirely covered by rock which we believe, overlies an ice base. They also occur in other parts of the world including New Zealand's Southern Alps and the Himilayas.
Late today we all travelled in a Chinese vehicle to Zhong Shan where we had a shower. It was marvellous to even wash my hair. Following the shower we sat down to a glass of mild beer and some hot roasted peanuts and other 'nibbles' before having tea at the Chinese Station. Jim and I headed back to Law Base leaving John and Adrian to play a game of table tennis.
 The Chinese Base, Zhongshan, 69° 22' 24" S, 76° 22' 40" E, 3km north of Law Base |
 Sign post at Zhongshan base |
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Photos
courtesy of Mark Tell
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Monday 8th January 2001
10pm: A very good days work was done today. John and I headed to Russia's Progress 2 Station where I compiled a map of the station and identified areas which I wish to sample. The station is being nicely tidied up with everything placed in readiness for removal from Antarctica. Drums are in one location, old vehicles in another and metal equipment is cached down near the sea ice. Adrian was a great help during the day, with the result that we now are beginning to acquire a greater undertanding of rock glaciers in polar regions. This afternoon the calm sea with bergs, 'bergy bits' and the terminal face of the Dalk Glacier reflected was superb. In the ice there was every colour of blue from the lightest cerulean to the deepest cadmium. Deep booming noises indicated that ice was in the process of breaking away. Had a great meal this evening of fried fish (coated with flour and done in olive oil), and boiled potatoes, peas and carrots. While having tea, an interesting discussion took place on the New Zealand All Blacks and Jim mentioned that his father was an All Black in 1939 and accepted the cup from General Freiberg, following a game in Egypt. Jim himself has played over a hundred games of first class rugby in New Zealand.
Tuesday 9th January 2001
The katabatic wind came up this morning at about 6.30. It is now 10.30 and easing so we hope to get over to the Russian Station to complete the sampling there.