GOLF 4-3-9 Antarctica Expedition 2008
Report Day 10 -- Wednesday 05 November 2008 -- Packing is a Long Process
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GOLF 4-3-9 Antarctica Expedition 2008 |
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There seems to be a never-ending string of tasks that we need to check off before we can get out to the Dry Valleys. The first thing is coordinate with another field party (the Limnology team from Montana State) so we can arrive at the Lake Fryxell hut the same day as they do.
Next we must pack and weigh all of our gear that will be shipped out so we can fill out a flight request form. The weights are very important for flights so that the pilots know how much fuel they need to complete their mission. If the cargo is too heavy they may not even be able to take off. Groups with very big boxes or lots of cargo have them "slung" out to the field camp. These sling loads are carried in a big net or box attached to a long line from the bottom of the helicopter.
When there is a sling load no passengers are allowed, just the pilot and helitech. They will leave the cargo in front of our campsite and come get us later. Additional frozen food pulls are done a day or two before the flight and hazardous cargo (such as alcohol for sterilizing equipment) are packaged and sent by Science Cargo three days prior to the flight.
The last things we send for cargo are the boxes containing delicate equipment that can’t go on a sling or things that can’t freeze (such as food in bottles). We are almost ready to go !!!
| GOLF 4-3-9 Antarctica Expedition |