Field Travel Training

Earlier this week myself and four others set off for some more field training. We headed out on quad bikes Monday morning, and returned early Tuesday evening.

After leaving the station we headed for the sea ice on O'Brien Bay. Here we would complete some tasks associated with our training.

Testing Sea Ice Depth on O'Brien Bay

We had to check the sea ice depth before we could ride the quads on the bay, as the ice condition can change very quickly, and if the wind is blowing in the right direction, the ice will go out to sea over a very short period. In fact most of the ice that we were travelling on, had gone by the end of the week, due to wind conditions, or broken up and become unsafe to travel on.

Ice Cliffs on O'Brien Bay

Some of the other training that we were required to complete, involved more navigation techniques and exercises.

We were also required to complete training on ice slopes. This involved cutting steps into the slope so we could get up. And also then sliding down the slope, to learn and practice self arrest techniques in case you fall.

Preparing to work on the Ice Slopes

We also completed training in quad recovery.

We set up camp for the night on the Mitchell Peninsula. This time we would be sleeping in 'Polar Pyramid' tents.

View from the tent

After arranging and eating dinner, we set off on a short hike to climb one of the nearby hills and take in the views over the Mitchell Peninsula and surrounding areas.

View back towards our camp site

View from our camp site

On Tuesday we headed over to Robinson Ridge. We stopped for lunch at Robbo's, essentially a shipping container sized hut, that can be used for various reasons, whether it be science, groups getting away for a weekend from station, or as an emergency refuge in bad weather.

Robbo's Hut

Huge Iceberg on the Horizon

View over Robbo's Hut to Penney Bay