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The one main difference between last year and this is certainly the weather! I could of almost been in Barbados last year compared to now. The wind is much stronger but the temperatures are not that much colder. It is the wind that cuts you in half. For parts of your body that are not well covered, it is like a million daggers being 'stabbed' in to you! The conclusion is, more layers required. The sunshine, I have almost forgotten what that is. There has only been a few days of what I would call 'nice' weather making progress into preseason works very difficult.
With the ship making good progress, the priority was to ensure the base was ready to receive new staff. The main priority was to get the Drewry Building up and running. This took a few days and slightly longer than expected due to various technical staff assisting in field operations. The building became habitable after these few days but it was discovered that there was several leaks in the hot water system. After working several late nights the building became fully operational as we were still expecting the ship. (Many thanks to the BC, Steve Marshall for his assistance). The building was electrically inspected and tested along with the fire alarm and all were found to be good condition. The technical guys, Paul Sharp, Richard Casson, Richard Borthwick and Andy McConnachie are all working hard in preparing for the summer season although the pressure is off slightly as RRS Ernest Shackleton is stuck in ice.
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The garage has now been moved to its new location. We are hoping for better weather and if the ship remains 'stuck' at its current location then an attempt will be made to move the Drewry Building. Even with most of the summer materials and the staff still on the ship, there is still a million and one jobs still to be done and with the current weather it turns into a zillion and one!!! The chef continues to make some fantastic meals even though there is a distinct lack of fresh food. (Cheers Rich!) The sight of a shovel now makes me shake as there has been and still is loads and loads of digging still to do. One way of keeping fit I suppose!
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I think it is time now for a well-earned cuppa. Luckily there is loads of tea so that’s something at least we won’t go short on if the ship doesn’t arrive for a while. We are all waiting with great anticipation for new faces, materials and fresh food. I have only been here a few weeks and I am desperate for the ship to arrive. I don’t know what the winterers must be thinking, they haven’t seen a ship or had fresh food for over 10 months!!!!!
Mark Godfrey  |
