Take A Hike!

As we prepared to travel down to Antarctica, some people said things like "You guys are such big hikers, what are you going to do when you can't hike?"  We weren't sure how to answer that.  We were expecting to be cooped up indoors with little access to the outdoors for our six months on Ice.    We arrived at McMurdo and were surprised to find a Ross Island Trail System!  Here is a map of the recreational travel routes around base:

There are several hikes available, some as long as nine miles, which can be quite extreme on a continent where the weather can go from a beautiful calm day with clear skies to 70 mph winds, blinding snow and temperatures below minus 30 degrees, in a matter of minutes.  You NEED to be aware of any potential weather.  Prior to going on any hike you are required to attend an "Outdoor Safety Lecture".  This is where they make sure you are informed of the dangers of travel in Antarctica and how to deal with them.

For the longer routes you are required to fill out a travel plan and submit it to the fire department, then go to the fire department to check out.  They give you a radio to use in case of an emergency.  Part of the check out is an estimate for how long you will be gone.  When you return you must check in with the fire department, if you are five minutes late the fire department immediately initiates a search and rescue system.  If you have not checked in within 15 minutes Search and Rescue goes into full swing, helicopters and all.  Bottom line:  DON'T FORGET TO CHECK BACK IN.

All the routes are marked with flags, which you must follow closely.  The F-STP (Field Safety Training Program) team checks each trail with a detection system that scans the ground for crevasses and snow bridges.  The marked trail is safe but not far off path may be plummeting crevasses undetectable under a layer of snow.

A few of the routes allow travel by cross country skis, which can be rented for free.  There is also a skiing/snowboarding hill near the kiwi base, Scott Base, which can be used with their approval.

We're very excited to hit the trail and explore a bit of Antarctica by foot!!