natural speed
Tuesday, February 17
As expected, the « Marion Dufresne » did not get to leave the harbor this morning because of a hurricane warning. In consequence, the ship will be two or three days behind schedule.
The power station makes one think that there could be some problems very soon. Indeed, the power has been cutting out all day. This is not good news for the electronic devices and equipment. The radio transmissions could also be seriously affected. I hope all the problems will be solved before the wintering starts. After that, the spare parts supply will take much longer to get here.
Friday, February 18
No news about the ship yet. Life on the base continues like as if nothing had happened.
Today we tried out a scientific test of the highest interest for the progress of mankind. It was an attempt to make ice cubes with rum instead of water. Knowing that the rum is 40 proof, we made use of the freezers in the scientific laboratory, which are able to cool to minus 80 degrees. After, we added the ice cubes to orange juice, and got a deliciously explosive mixture. I still wonder why people incessantly kept adding these ice cubes into their drinks.
Saturday, February 19
New experiment this morning! How long does it take for an aspirin to have an effect on a headache?... The expiration date of the orange juice had probably passed.
Another way to recover from a hangover is to go hiking. Actually, it was not a hike just for fun. I noticed that the radio relay had not been working properly for a few days, and decided it was time for a complete servicing. Since the forecast was not too bad, we set off early in the morning.
Unfortunately the weather got worse as we get closer to the relay. The wind was blowing in a gale, and I knew it would probably not abate before the end of the day. Postponing the repair was out of question, and we climbed the last steep slope on our hands and knees.
The work lasted roughly one hour, and then we hurried down the slope to get to a shelter at the far end of the valley, called “Pointe Basse”. We decided to rest for one or two days before going back to the base.
Merci beaucoup :-)