Victoria University Antarctic Research Expedition Science and Logistics Reports 1984-85: VUWAE 29

Vehicle Itinerary - Grizzly toboggans SM053, SM054

Vehicle Itinerary - Grizzly toboggans SM053, SM054

Date Location Distance travelled Fuel added Comments
25 Dec. From camp in Upper Blue to Saddle south of 1430± 9 km Pulling 450 lbs. All running gear checked in evening on 053.
26 Dec. From Camp to below 1890± 9 2 galls Pulling 450 lbs. Adjusted choke on 053 in evening. Was running too rich. All running gear checked 054.
27 Dec. Around Camp. 2 Crevasse rescue practice.
28 Dec. From Camp down glacier 6 Travelled 3km before weather closed in.
29 Dec. From Camp up true left of Salient Glacier 20 2 galls 053 running better. New variator belt in 054.
30 Dec. Lower ridges each side of Salient Glacier 20 1 1/3 galls Both running well.
31 Dec. NO TRAVEL
1 Jan. To top of Blue Glacier from Camp 10 1 gall − Travelling on good snow. Running gear checked in evening.
2 Jan. Moved Camp from top of Blue to Granite Knoll 26 2 galls − Towing 1100 lbs. Breaking through snow to 250 mm. Hard work but they travelled well. Snotric wouldn't have made it.
3 Jan. From Granite Knoll to Descent Pass 21 1 1/3 galls − Both running well.
4 Jan. From G.K. to Briggs Hills 30 2 galls − Towing 950 lbs. General good snow conditions and few crevasses.
5 Jan. From G.K. to east ridge of the Pimple 20 1 1/2 galls − Got toboggans up to first saddle in ridge.
6 Jan. Tried to get from G.K. to Mt. Goat 20 2 galls − Tried to cross 'Blue River' - got stuck - set up 4 to 1 to pull toboggan out.
7 Jan. To ridge south of Lister Glacier 19 1 1/2 galls − Towed 900 lbs - running gear checked in evening.
8 Jan. To above and then to bottom of Hooker Glacier 25 2 galls − Towed 600 lbs - both running well.
Diary ends.