6 March 2012 Drop Off at Cierva Point

Today we dropped off Dr. Bockheim and his team of geologists at Cierva Point where they will stay for the next 3 weeks. Four of them are staying in the remote location and will need food, water and other supplies while there. In addition to helping them haul their food and water, we carried drilling equipment, bedding, emergency medical supplies, cook ware and other things they'll need.

All of the drilling equipment we hauled down in sleds from their study site at Amsler Island on Friday was hauled up the hill today, behind the Argentine Station called Primavera. You may remember that we stopped at Cierva Point on my way down to Palmer Station three weeks ago; I was glad to get back there because it’s a beautiful location. The Argentine scientists have generously agreed to allow Dr. Bockheim’s group to use their camp, which is a pleasant surprise. The group was originally planning to use Scott tents and have a much more rustic experience, but instead will have use of the Argentine’s huts which include separate bedrooms with beds and a nice kitchen.

The trek up the hill was rocky and steep, but once again the team pulled together and got the job accomplished. Dr. Bockheim and his group will be installing another 15 meter deep bore hole at the study site to continue with their permafrost study on the Western Antarctic Peninsula. The LMG will pick them up on its next trip at the end of March. I was happy I could help get them settled and am definitely tired. It was a good day.