Astrobiologist Dale Andersen’s Field Report: Lake Untersee, Antarctica 15 November 2014

On The Road to Lake Untersee

We are completely packed up now, using the Everest tracked vehicle, pulling two sleds behind it. The first sled has most of our gear, the second has fuel additional cargo, and a cabin in which three of our team will make the traverse. Klemens, Vladimir and Allyson will ride out on the sled, Yukiko, Wayne and I will will drive the snowmobiles. Packing was a bit of a challenge since we had a little more science gear this year, but once both sleds were brought down, it all worked out perfectly with room to spare. I will send some pics later when I get back, and maybe after we get settled in at Untersee, I will try to upload a small one via the Iridium. 

The weather looks to be pretty good tomorrow, with clear skies and low winds, at least for Novo. Monday and Tuesday the weather may go down with 45 kt winds so we need to get the camp up as soon as possible….at least a few tents anyway. It will be great to get back to the lake, and everyone is pretty excited now. ALCI has done a lot to help us out too, which has been an important partnership in addition to the Russian Antarctic Program (RAE).

Ok, six or 8 hours for our skidoo ride, and perhaps 10 for Everest, but tomorrow we should be in the camp – and as soon as we are settled in I will drop another note.