|
As expected when the Anne entered Port Lockroy we experienced katabatic winds to 60 knots plus. Caused by the winds building up pressure on the weather
side of mountains till releasing in violent gust, katabatic winds can reach velocities of greater than 120 knots. We explored the remains of the British base, the Gentoo Penguin rookery and an area of nesting Blue-eyed Shags
during the three days spent at Port Lockroy.  Noticing a pair of mast that appeared to be coming out of rock we soon
realized that the Anne is not the only boat at anchor here. We could see Northanger a 50 foot centerboard ketch moored more than anchored in a small and shallow finger of water. Being designed to anchor in shallow
water the Northanger can remain unattended without worry of damage due to large icebergs. The crew of the Northanger is in Antarctica on a climbing expedition climbing previously unclimbed peaks. One of the most interesting things to see in Port Lockroy is the extremely well stocked refuge hut. Cases upon cases of canned goods ranging from
coffee to corned beef to peaches all of which appeared edible. Stored away in steamer trunks we found sleeping bags and foul weather gear and in a corner cross-country skis carved from solid planks of wood. These
huts of refuge enable shipwreck survivors to wait out long periods of time awaiting rescue. From what we found we concluded that supplies were last renewed at the refuge hut during the fifties. Next to the refuge hut was the remains of a British Antarctic Survey base of
the late fifties. The main building roof had collapsed due to snow but inside the mostly intact recreation room we found dart and chessboards plus stacks of magazines dating back to the
fifties. An unfinished portrait of Marilyn Monroe decorated the main door. Outside you could see whale bones piled up here and there. Now the only inhabitants of the base are a group of
Gentoo penguins and a few Blue-Eyed Shags.
NEXT PAGE
|