Man hauling

I understand the title of this post may sound obscure to some but to come to down to Antarctica man hauling was something I had to experience.  I first read about man hauling when the early expeditioners had used up all of their other options traversing the continent so they had to drag all of the provisions themselves.   Admittedly our trek wasn’t an attempt to win the race to the South Pole, but an overnighter out to Jack’s hut fifteen kilometres away, but I did day dream a little as we marched towards our pole.  

Stu and Gav enjoying the climb.

I was fortunate to be invited to join the travelling party of Stu, Craig and Gav on a beautiful bright sunny and still Sunday afternoon stroll out to another of the outlying station huts.  Reputation preceded this formidable trio, with all three having a history in competing in many endurance events.  I knew I was in for a hiding or an unforgettable experience.

The three amigos.

We set off from the station at 5pm after Gav (aka chef, Gavinator?) finally arrived after  his afternoon nap and usual fluffing about.  The weather was playing nicely today and provided the party with plenty of fantastic photo opportunities as well as a lovely Antarctic suntan.  The mood was jovial as the group meandered along the moraine line heading out to Jacks and the banter was as entertaining as it was colourful.

  Happy days.

A tricky traverse to avoid the unpredictable sea ice.

 

The sleds and harnesses made the trip surprisingly comfortable with the group able to make the trip to the hut in approximately three hours.  Once settling into the hut and refreshments had been but on ice, Gav served up an absolute feast for the ravenous bunch.   After a couple of quiet ones and a few smoked oysters a reasonably early night was enjoyed by all.  I base this assumption on the sun hadn’t gone down when I went to bed.  The return trip the next morning wasn't approached with as much enthusiasm as the previous afternoon and we all arrived safely back at Casey at around 10am.  A fantastic couple of days was had by all and it was definately one for the memories.  I think the guys were over me saying repeatedly,  How good is this?, Can you believe we are man hauling in Antarctica? 

The view from inside Jack's hut.  The flat area between the rocks in the forground and the island is all sea ice which is expected break out in the next month.

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