As our Antarctic Uber drops us off at the ‘bus stop’ and the truck drives away, we see the forest green tray of the flat bed truck disappear into the distance and we are left in a landscape of greys, whites, browns and if lucky a bit of blue in the sky.
As if Davis station isn’t located remotely enough on the globe, by choice we are walking away from it. Marine Plain being the destination of choice.
The word desolate usually comes with a negative ring to it, but not here, not for me. The wide valleys give space for the mind to wander. Each step is an opportunity to remember just how remote we are and the privilege that it is to be here. During summer there are roughly 4,000 people on the continent of Antarctica and I’m beyond grateful to be one of them.
Our small party of five expeditioners makes tracks heading east.
Our packs contain maps and compass, survival clothing, emergency accomodation in the form of a bivvy bag, the most comfortable sleeping bags I’ve ever known to exist and enough snacks to sink an ice breaker! As one who doesn’t mind that extra bit of comfort and a good night's sleep, I somehow managed to squeeze my pillow in too.
As we work our way over small hills, through valleys and past some semi-frozen lakes we head in the direction of Watts Hut.
The hiking isn’t too difficult. The main challenge for me is that my hiking boots took themselves on a walk to somewhere unknown, so I am currently wearing a borrowed pair which are at least one size too small. My toes are not at all appreciative of this last minute boot scramble!
Throughout the 15ish kilometre trek to Watts Hut the conditions underfoot change many times. Solid rock, loose scrambly rock, soft marshy sand, large areas of dry sand resembling a river bed, hard compacted snow, loose sugary snow and a large boulder here and there.
We aren't far from our lunch spot when we reach the end of the fjord and come across four juvenile emperor penguins. Three turn their backs and waddle away from us upon our arrival. The fourth stays still, allowing us to take some photos, as I continue to wonder how these incredible creatures even survive out in the extreme landscape.
The wind isn't too strong, maybe 10-15 knots, but our arrival at Watts Hut means a few minutes reprieve as we are welcomed by the smiling faces of the Watts Hut crew. The kettle is on, the laughter loud, and before too long the hut smells like freshly plunged coffee.
It's mid-afternoon and time to sling our packs on our backs and continue the trek to our intended destination. From Watts Hut we wander west, keeping Watts and Anderson Lakes to our left. By now the wind has picked up slightly as the oomph in my legs starts to decrease. My pack is starting to feel a little heavier too even though I've made a good dent in the snack collection.
With our heads down, walking into the wind, it isn't long before we march the additional 4.5kms from Watts Hut and reach our destination.
By Brad Jones, Carpenter
