Apologies for the long period since i last updated. All computers had to be checked before connecting to any networks also relief and induction training has taken preference this week.
On the way into Rothera we had a very smooth journey but did wake up on the Friday morning to the sound of banging against the ship. When i went outside to see what it was i was confronted with this fantastic view of sea ice which we were battling through. Luckily the JCR is an ice breaking ship and can bash through ice over a foot deep.
As you can see from the photo the ship had to take some diverse maneuvers away from some of the large icebergs which were in our path. It was fascinating to sea the penguins, seals and sea lions sleeping on the icebergs as we slowly sailed by.
Friday morning at about 11am we finally docked and Rothera Wharf. It was such a relief to have actually be there and i had to just take a minute and have a good look at my new home for the next 18 months.There was a nice welcoming party up on one of the hills and it was really good to see some old faces which i hadn't seen for a few months.
After my initial induction i was put straight to work operating machinery unloading the cargo from the ships holds. It's all hands on deck whilst the ship in at the wharf helping unload the ship as quick as possible so it can get on with its science schedule.
This week saw the Dash 7 return to Rothera. There are two types of aircraft which BAS operate, those being the Twin Otters and the larger Dash 7. Unfortunately there as been countless problems with the aircraft this season as many science projects have had to be either shortened or cancelled.
This is an aerial view of Rothera. The main base is all on the right hand side, with the fuel store and aircraft hanger on the left. My work area, the vehicle workshop is quite close to my accommodation and also the dinning room which is handy. I was glad to finally get to work and make myself at home in my new place of work. No rest for the wicked however, yesterday and today i have been hard at it replacing worn bearings on a large tracked vehicle.
I finally found my snowboard today and thankfully it is all still in on piece, so three guesses what I'll be doing tomorrow evening.