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Fuchs and Hillary - contd |
The actual crossing of AntArctica was not hurried. A variety of overland vehicles were used ranging - sno-cats, weasels and heavy duty snow tractors. The sno-cat could haul two sledges of two and a half tons but its speed varied from 2mph to 8mph depending on conditions. The weasel could pull less and could get bogged down when turning in soft snow. the tractors were really only good for base work. Three types of aircraft were also used - Otters, Beavers and Austers. These were used to carry equipment and for reconnaissance. Dogs were also used. Dogs are no longer allowed on Antarctica for environmental reasons.
Once the two bases were established, further inland bases were created as well as food and supply dumps. this was also a scientific expedition and so a number of other projects were carried out. The aiw was for the two parties to set out from their bases dropping off supplies and team members as necessary. They would then meet at the pole and a final convoy would complete the crossing by returning to the Ross Sea.
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Progress would be at the slow speed of the vehicles, which was further hampered by the need to scout ahead to avoid unfavourable terrain. This scouting was done by plane and by the trusty dogsled. The sled teams built 9 or 10ft high snow cairns at five mile intervals to guide the vehicle convoy.
Generally the account by Fuchs is one of sober efficiency but just occasionally the sang-froid is broken such as during this little adventure in the Otter when they are on a scouting mission......
"Continuing to latitude 82° 15' S we could still see crevassed areas and seemingly small ice streams extending across our path to the west. Suddenly the engine stopped and our interest was immediately concentrated on the surface 2,000 feet below. Hardly had this happened when Gordon began telling base we were going down, at the same time trying his various fuel tanks. Five times the engine re-started and stopped as we descended rapidly towards an uncomfortably rough looking surface. Then, remembering the newly fitted auxiliary tank from which all the petrol had now been used, Gordon told me to close a valve which might prevent air from the empty tank reaching the remainder of the fuel system. Almost immediately the engine picked up and we were able to climb away from the all too near surface below.
Perhaps influenced by these events, we made this our turning point and headed for home by a slightly different route."
....And no doubt changed their underpants when they got back.
Actually,had Shackleton succeeded in establishing a base and attempted a crossing, my feeling is that he would have lost some of his party. The TransAntarctic Convoy had advance warning of most hazards but still lost vehicles down hidden crevasses, from which they were able to extricate themselves but sometimes it was a near thing for both men and vehicles. The toll in terms of damage to vehicles was also heavy. Shackleton, without the benefit of foreknowledge, might not have been so lucky.
At the end of the trek they had travelled 2,158 miles from Shackleton Base to Scott Base via the South Pole. It had taken 99 days at an average of 22 miles per day.
"An improvised band from "over the hill" (the Americans) did their worst with our national airs, ending up with what we were told was "God Save the Queen". It had been formed the night before by calling for all who thought they could play an instrument. The edict went forth - "It doesn't matter if you can play - but you gotta be able to play loud" - and they certainly did."
Patriotic to the end.......
