PLANNED PROGRAMME

Following the results of V.U.W.A.E.s 5 and 7 it was decided to send a large expedition to as many lakes as possible in the No Murdo Oasis, especially those in the Taylor Valley.

Accordingly, the whole expedition was to move by helicopter to Lake Pryxell, Taylor Valley (Fig. II) in mid November. In the same movement 2 people were to spend a day at Lake Vanda to establish water level gauges and at least one person would supervise the laying of all dumps at strategic positions in the Taylor, Wright and Barwick — Victoria Valleys, 4 dumps were to be laid in the Taylor, 3 in the Wright and 3 in the Barwick and Victoria Valleys.

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At the completion of work in the Taylor Valley it was planned to deploy the expedition to lakes in the Darwin Glacier area for 8 days. For this movement it was proposed to divide the party into three 2 man elements each of which would investigate a particular lake. On the basis of comprehensive field observations by V.U.W.A.E. 6 during the previous summer, and the specific requirements of V.U.W.A.E. 8, a feasible programme was constructed. Logistics to support this movement would have been relatively complex and required both Dakota and helicopter transport.

If no visit to the Darwin were possible after completion of work in the Taylor Valley, the party vas to be moved directly to the Wright and Victoria Valleys. At this stage, the supply dumps already established would be supplemented with party gear and scientific equipment in everyday use. Withdrawal to Scott Base was designed for mid January in order to allow the whole party to spend a week at Black and White Islands before returning to New Zealand.

Prior to the departure of the main party from New Zealand in November. Wilson and House were to spend approximately one week at the South Pole Station, sampling and analysing snow from the station's mine. They would rejoin the main party at Scott Base in mid November. It was also planned that they should make a brief visit to Lake Helen Taylor Valley as early as possible in the season.