Shackleton's Ross Sea Party used this Hut after
Scott's death (though not Shackleton himself who was having his own epic
expedition on the other side of the Antarctic Continent at the time), so not all is quite as Scott left it, but much is.
The wind was terrible outside the Hut, but all was quiet within,
also rather dark, except in one corner where a window was clear of
the snow. Dressed in our cold weather gear, we were quite warm
inside the Hut. It is quite remarkable how much they were able to
accomplish given the limitations of their technology. But where
there is a will, there is a way. Unfortunately, even with a
flashlight, it was so dark inside that it was difficult to see any
detail. It is only on review that I can see details which were
captured by the camera's flash. For example, I only just noticed the
penguin lying on the table. To go outside, one goes through three
doorways with at least two doors, set at a 90 degree angle
to each other. Presumably to keep out the wind. The outer door is
also set at a 90 degree angle to the prevailing winds, if one can
judge by the wind we had while there, which was coming down the
slope towards the sea ice.
14th October 2007
