Keïteï Ventures

Hello from Halley VI.

After several years of applying to work in Antarctica, I got the green light and now find myself living and working at Halley research station. I may do a fireside chat explaining how I got here in the future but for now, enjoy this little blog post.
Unlike Rothera research station which is open throughout the year, Halley is only operational for three months. Upon arrival everyone hits the ground running as there is a lot to get done. As well as all the science that takes place, the modules as seen below need to be raised. Every winter the snow accumulates and Halley seems to disappear. The team sets to work raising each leg, cramming as much snow as they can beneath before placing the leg back down. The modules were raised twice this season.

We also had the arrival of the biennial relief ship which was in the area to deliver our much needed science tools, repair parts, food and to take away our waste. This year was particularly challenging with the high ice shelf, short weather window and other locations being cut off by thick sea ice. We were last on the ships delivery itinerary and managed to retrieve the majority of our cargo.

Whilst in the kitchen, a lot of baking took place 😀

Our frozen food is kept in 2 reefer containers which I would often go rummaging through to find what we needed for meals. Lots of frozen vegetables, dairy, meats, deserts, veggies options and fruit.

And all our dry food is kept in these containers. Items such as tea (very important), coffee, chocolate, rice, herbs, spices, cordials, crisps, pastas, sauces. The General Assistant and I try to keep these containers as tidy as possible but when the snow melts, these containers shift and things are not always as we left them.

I was lucky enough to head out on a fuel depo raise. This involves leaving the station on a Twin Otter plane and visiting a fuel depo out in the field. These depos get buried by snow and need digging out so they can be used by field parties when needed. A few of us joined the pilot and dug up 20 drums of aviation fuel, leaving them neatly on the surface for future use. The flight was amazing and we were able to return via the coast, the views were incredible.

Christmas and New Years were very exciting and we able able to enjoy a little downtime in between the action packed season.

One of my jobs on station is to prepare the rooms for new arrivals. With the busy season, the modules were full so a few folk stayed in these cabooses.

Hope you enjoyed this brief view into life at Halley Research Station :).
More posts to follow!~