Traveling by skidoo and sledge is one
of the quickest and most versatile ways of getting around.
These skidoos are the heavy duty version with twin tracks
for power and a single ski in front, as opposed to the more
commonly seen single track - twin ski arrangement.
Heavy duty they are too, we had one that at some
point in its life had been dropped through a hole in the sea ice,
had ropes tied onto it by divers and then hauled up again to be
dried, cleaned and put back into service.
Skidoos usually pull sledges in Antarctica for
extra cargo and people. The man at the back is the "jockey" there
to lean into the turn and so steer the sledge to avoid it tipping
up. At very cold temperatures it was the most awful place to be.
No windshield to hide behind, just stand straight upright and face
the gale caused as the skidoo towed you forwards at great speed.
I have memories of standing there being aware of little other than
cold as my goggles steamed up and froze with me not being able to
do anything about it. The world just passed by in an icy blur.
Paul Ward - Pentax equipment,
50mm lens, 35mm film, K64.
This picture may not be copied
or used in any manner without prior written permission.
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