The South Pole in Antarctica is a highly captivating place, perhaps because of its remote location, distance from civilization, and enigmatic allure. However, it is also an undesirable destination due to its harsh and unpredictable weather conditions, ranging from cold to freezing.
Once again, it was time to conduct the food inspection at the South Pole base. As always, it was a mixed feeling – on the one hand, it felt good to know that we would be meeting people we enjoy being around, but on the other hand, all the gear and training required before arrival could sometimes be overwhelming.
The flight
The flight departed from Christchurch with the Royal New Zealand Air Force, but I must assert that it was an uncomfortable journey—a seven-hour flight from Christchurch to McMurdo in a military cargo plane.
After spending a few days in McMurdo, it was time to head to the South Pole! However, the flights to the South Pole are weather-dependent, which means the schedule changes frequently. That can be a bit of a bummer at times, but it’s all part of the Antarctica adventure!
The night before your flight, you’ll need to take your luggage to another building to have it weighed. It’s a quick and easy process! You’ll also get to wear your extreme cold weather gear while they weigh you.
Once you’ve checked in at that building, you’ll be notified when to catch the bus the next day at the airfield. Usually, it’s 7 am; that’s when the bus departs!
The flight to the South Pole is less crowded compared to the McMurdo flight.
However, since there’s a lot of scientific equipment being transported, there might not be as much room to stretch out. The flight lasts for 2.5 hours, which is much shorter than the 7-hour flight from Christchurch to McMurdo.
Life on the South Pole
The South Pole is a unique place that offers a one-of-a-kind experience. Though it can be a bit lonely at times, it’s an excellent opportunity to explore something new and exciting. Imagine being stationed in a desert where the temperature can average at -49°C (-56°F)!
The harsh weather conditions may limit your time outdoors, but plenty of activities are available to help you stay occupied.
The type of activities available varies depending on the season. During summer, which lasts several months, you enjoy 24-hour daylight. You can use this time to do some outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, or running.
You can also take advantage of the sunlight to explore the surrounding area and marvel at the stunning natural scenery.
During winter, there are months of complete darkness in Antarctica, which can be intimidating. However, it can also be a unique opportunity to try new things. One interesting activity you can participate in is the Antarctic 300 Club. This group of people likes to push their limits by spending up to 10 minutes in a sauna heated to 200°F (93°C) before walking bravely to the Ceremonial South Pole wearing nothing but boots. Once they reach the pole, they walk around the marker and return to the station. It may seem wild, but it’s definitely a one-of-a-kind experience!
You can also use this time to learn a new hobby or language, catch up on reading, or work on personal projects in a peaceful environment.
It’s important to note that this experience is not for everyone, but if you’re up for an adventure, it’s something you’ll never forget!
Creatives Activities
Living in the far south can be a lot of fun! The National Science Foundation organizes activities for personnel all year round, so you’ll always have something to do. Even though some activities are only available during the summer, there’s still plenty going on in this remote location year-round. During the summer, there are around 100 people, but in the winter, it drops to only 30 residents at the South Pole base. So, it’s important to be creative and always find fun things to do!
📖Reading
What could be better than snuggling up with an exciting book and a delicious hot drink on a chilly day? The South Pole has an amazing library stocked with books that cater to various interests.
It’s a fantastic way to spend your time and get lost in a good story.
🎬Watching Movies
An excellent way to spend your leisure time is by watching movies. They have a soothing effect that can help reduce stress and anxiety, and even watching an entertaining film can transform pessimistic thoughts into optimistic ones.
At the South Pole base, there is a well-stocked movie room with a wide selection of DVD and VHS cassettes to choose from.
🧖♂️Sauna
Sauna has a ton of incredible health benefits. It can help you increase your metabolism, shed a few pounds, improve your blood circulation, reduce pain, boost your cardiovascular function, manage stress, and help you relax – just to name a few!
But it’s not all serious stuff – there’s also a fun challenge, like what the 300 Club does during the winter. It may be a little chilly, but would you be willing to give it a try?
🚴♀️Cycling
If you’re interested in getting some exercise in a fun way, cycling and hiking are excellent options available at the base. You can use the bicycles provided by the base.
However, before you head out, you must check the weather conditions and inform the South Pole operations about your plan to go for a ride or a hike. This way, you can ensure your safety, and the base can provide you with a radio to stay in touch.
Coming back to McMurdo
The mission has come to an end, and it’s time to return to McMurdo.
Everything needs to be weighed before departure, just like we did in McMurdo to come here. After packing and getting ready, a bus will take you to the airfield, and you’ll be back in no time.
McMurdo has arranged a fantastic Thanksgiving meal for all of us, and I can’t wait to enjoy a warm, hearty feast. I’m eager to dig in and savor every bite, and I’ll share all the details in my next blog post.
