14 January 2023 Drivers Ed - South Pole Edition!

Journal

Trainings, trainings, and more trainings

Living and working at the South Pole is pretty normal in a lot of aspects (we have heating, plumbing, beds, showers, etc.). So sometimes it is easy to forget how the cold makes simple outdoor tasks much more difficult and dangerous.

So for our first week here, we have attended many safety trainings. My favorite two I called "Drivers Ed".

Two people in red jackets look out at flags in the Antarctic plateau — Alisa and Marc survey the ARA sites. We're about 5km from the South Pole Station! Photo by Elaine Krebs.

Part 1 - Snowmobile Training

First up - snowmobiles! These are best way to get around to nearby worksites, or hauling smaller pieces of equipment.

In training, we learned to do vehicle checks to make sure everything is in working order, as well as some tips and tricks for starting the engine in the cold!

People standing around a snowmobile in a machine shed — Snowmobile Training! Conveniently held indoors :) Photo by Elaine Krebs.

Close up of a snowmobile engine — You always need to check the engine for snow build up as well as wear-and-tear which happens quickly out here! Photo by Elaine Krebs.

After training, we took snowmobiles out to different antenna sites for the Askaryan Radio Array project. We will be digging up some of the equipment and wanted to scope out the area.

Two snowmobiles parked in the snow surrounded by flag markers — The snowmobiles were ideal for getting out and surveying the ARA sites quickly! Photo by Elaine Krebs.

Part 2 - PistenBully Training

PistenBullys are like a cross between a snow cat and a tractor. They are really great at traversing long distances but very slowly. But with a lot of heavy gear, these are your best option!

I don't know why but when I came down here I REALLY wanted to drive one around. It looked so fun. And it was!

Elaine drives a PistenBully — Driving a PistenBully is all I hoped and dreamed! SO FUN. And slow. But mostly fun! Photo by Zhongwen Zhan.

We took a PistenBully out to the ARA Site 4 to dig up one of the boxes that has been buried under years of blown snow. Five of us went out so we needed more seats and lots of shovels.

A group of people shoveling with a pisten bully in the background — I promise I helped! Pictured: Alisa, Hans, Luke, and Marc. Photo by Elaine Krebs.

Video coming soon!

We have very low bandwidth here at the South Pole, since we only get internet when the satellites fly above us. I wanted to upload a video to YouTube but it is proving difficult. I will keep trying to check back soon to see it! Until then, I managed to upload it as a reel on Instagram @elaine.explains

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