JULY

By Thomas Rieley, Halley Doctor.

July has seen the gradual return of the sun. We have had increasingly more light at around local noon. This started with a slight red glow on the horizon on clear days, and we now have actual daylight for an hour or so around lunchtime. The relentless winds seem to have settled for a while and we’ve had some lovely clear days with temperatures sitting in the crisp minus forties. The improvement in light has allowed many of us to get off Base for the first time since before Midwinter. Quite a few of us have had weekends out at the coast sleeping in the nice warm caboose (tiny ‘caravan’ on skis with a Paraffin Heater), and having long, scenic walks on the sea ice.

The Boys on tour

Neil at Creek 4

Thomas on Sea Ice at Creek 4

Looking out from Creek 4

Our Base Commander hard at work.

The returning light seems to have given everyone a bit of a boost, and there’s been lots of activity around base in spite of the bitter cold. The Met Team; Cathy, Dan and Liz, have recently excavated their ‘Helikite’ from it’s icy pit. This is a tethered Sonde which, like the daily balloons released here, monitors atmospheric pressure, humidity, temperature and wind speed. Ricky, Dan and Alan have raised the handlines which we use to find our way between buildings when visibility is poor. Their supporting posts had become half buried by the recent precipitation. Richard Casson jacked up one of the legs of the Simpson Building in addition to his monthly work on the legs of the Laws Platform. Karl has serviced all of the Nansen Sledges. This involves relashing many of the joints and treating the wood with linseed oil. Mark has been busy repainting all of the radio boxes in preparation for the forthcoming Field Season. Paul has been servicing the many Fire Extinguishers around Base and has organised a few fire rescue scenarios to keep us all on our toes. Dave and Jamie had a cold day out raising the drum line out to Creek 4; many of the drums had been deeply buried by the wind and snow. Gary has had the formidable task of keeping our Bulldozers and Snow Cats running in these extreme temperatures. We are highly dependant on his expertise, as these vehicles are essential for filling our melt tank and for refuelling our generators. He also maintains the skidoos which are our main mode of transport for off Base travel and recreation.

The Helikite

Raising the handlines

Neil and Karl working on the Nansen sledges.

Jacking up the Simpson Building.

July brought Andy’s Birthday, and a most enjoyable evening was spent marking the occasion. Amongst his presents were a very Chic pair of furry Protective ear muffs which I’m sure he will treasure forever. Richard Turner, our very talented Chef has been keeping us all well nourished, although his puddings sometimes leave us a little too well nourished ! Thanks to Richard, mealtimes here are a most enjoyable part of our day. His great efforts contribute enormously to Base morale. The Chef plays a very important role in an Antarctic Research Station. Mealtimes are not just good for morale, but vital for our health and well being . Due to the extreme environment here, our nutritional requirements are very high. However, the complete absence of fresh food here makes the preparation of appealing nutritious food an unenviable task. We never cease to be amazed by Richard’s incredible creations, especially when we consider the very limited ingredients that he has at his disposal. Without his expertise, our diet here would almost certainly be monotonous and perhaps even inadequate.

The Birthday Boy

The Birthday Party

Our Smiling Chef.

As Base Doctor, my role extends to being Dentist, Physiotherapist and Waste Manager. In addition to these tasks, I have been running Spanish classes since the start of winter, and I’m glad to say that my seven pupils are all making good progress towards fluency. As we are now halfway through our ten month period of isolation, July was the best time for me to check everyone’s teeth. Fifteen Dental Check-ups therefore took place, complete with polishing, pink mouthwash, and soothing music. I of course, will wait until Penny, the new BAS Dentist, visits in December for my Dental Check ! Since, during winter, my patient population consists of a mere fifteen people, much of my time is spent on Medical Research. This makes a peaceful change from my normally hectic life as an Accident and Emergency Doctor in the UK.

So as July draws to an end we all look forward to the rising of the sun in early August. In true Halley style we will no doubt celebrate this with a barbecue in the minus forties complete with frozen beer and much dancing to keep warm. Message for my gorgeous wife Mary, Mum, Esther, J, Will, N & P and Paul – I miss you all loads, but I’m gonna stay here for a while as it’s a great place to be ! Hasta el Junio.

Thomas Rieley, Halley Doctor.