Today we begin a new column by Queenstown priest Father
Tony Harrison, who is working as a chaplain at McMurdo
Station, Ross Island, Antarctica. It is
his third stint in the Deep South after previous trips in
2003 and 2005. Over the next few weeks he will write
exclusively for the Queenstown Times.
"Welcome to Antarctica where the current temperature is minus
35."
With those words we knew we had finally arrived on Pegasus
Airfield, Antarctica. Pegasus is so called because nearby is
the wreckage of a Super Constellation aircraft called
Pegasus.
We were scheduled to leave Christchurch on Tuesday, September
29, but were delayed because of bad weather at McMurdo.
Wednesday was supposed to be "all go" and we arrived at the
Antarctic Centre for 6am check-in and 9am departure.
Excitement grew as we taxied to the end of the runway. Full
thrust drove us back into our seats. The aircraft was gaining
more and more speed, when suddenly engine power was reduced,
brakes applied; full reverse thrust had us thrown forward in
our seats. We stopped safely and taxied again to the end of
the runway as the crew sorted out the problem.
Again, full thrust and we finally lifted off. Smiles all
around; but 40 minutes later we were turning back to
Christchurch Airport to have a fault repaired. This time we
were not going to fly again that day. Safety is of prime
importance when it comes to getting to Antarctica and working
there because it is a long way from help.
Finally, on Saturday morning, we were really on our way to
the Antarctic. Seated beside me was Sandi Dillon, also from
Queenstown, who is working as a medic at Scott Base through
the summer season.
Seating on the huge C17 Globemaster 111 aircraft is not
allocated. You are just encouraged to fill the seats from the
back. It is the wisdom of those who have travelled before
that enables one to get a better seat. There is no "first
class" area but some seats are better than others - who wants
to be seated outside the toilet door?
The journey takes five hours. A meal - a paper bag containing
two small packets of potato chips, a pack of two sandwiches,
a chocolate bar and a muesli bar plus an apple and a bottle
of water - is served.
In-flight entertainment is provided by yourself. Books, iPods
and computers all serve to fill in the time.
A name, residential address, and (preferably residential) telephone number is required from readers who comment on ODT Online. These details will not be visible to site visitors.