Let’s just call this a long road trip. Though the length isn’t what makes it so interesting but rather the location (The South Pole!), mode of travel, and reasons behind the trip.
How: Tractor traverse
Where: Across multiple Ice Shelves, up the Trans-Antarctic and onto the Polar Plateau, eventually reaching the Geographic South Pole.
Why: Delivery of fuel and other essential supplies for science projects at the South Pole.
My job: Field Safety Coordinator for the US Antarctic Program
What made this stint of contract work so interesting is the unique mix of skills needed. My work was a mix of traditional mountaineering, tractor rigging, white-out navigation, field medic, tractor operator, and science tech.
I actually spent the first part of my season training the team in crevasse rescue. Then I went on a special trip to prepare one section of the route, before actually starting this traverse.
Sounds like a lot?? It was! It’s hard to share the scale of this journey but below are some great insights.
Mt Beazley- one of the most stunning sites along the way. I wish we could have stayed here for days.