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Victoria University Antarctic Research Expedition Science and Logistics Reports 1967-68: VUWAE 12

January 6th - 20th (8)

January 6th - 20th (8)

This was the last stage of the trip from the Leap Year Glacier to the Freyberg Mountain and Gallipoli Heights. We did our longest straight haul from the depot to Galatos Peak in the Salamander range covering 36 miles. Struck good sledging conditions for the first time in three weeks. A visit to Galatos Peak then across the Canham to the Northern side. 2 men parties made side trips up a number of unnamed side Glaciers then we crossed to the Southern side of the Canham and Takrouna Bluff (a day was spent here). Crevassing again became a problem so travel slowed considerably. We travelled up the Canham nineteen miles, a visit by 2 men parties to the Granite in this area was made then we crossed to the Eastern side just North of Mt. Apolotok. We had hoped to be able to make this our pick-up area but found it too rough for a suitable strip.

In poor conditions we crossed the Canham again to a point five miles North of Gallipoli Heights 72° 23′ S long 163° 57′ E. Drifting snow and winds made this part of the trip very unpleasant. Continuous wind blew off the Evans Néve and sledging was made most difficult by the large sastrugi and very hard snow. Visits were made to Gallipoli heights and outcrops North of this. We got our second blizzard during this period which continued for some 50 hours. Our proposed climb of Mt. Apolotok had to be abandoned due to the severity of the weather; our pick-up site was in the Canham Glacier some 21 miles south of Takrouna Bluff. The Upper Canham was found to be unsuitable due to the bad surface conditions.

(9) Mention should be made about the capabilities of the Field Assistants. Without them only a very small part of the Geological programme would have been accomplished. I feel very strongly that on this sort of trip it is imperative that Geologists have Alpine experience. It places too much responsibility on the Field Assistants and at times endangers them needlessly, especially when working in 2 man parties. It does seem at timos that Geological recommendations are inclined to gloss over the difficulties involved in travelling through some of the areas. (This is no reflection on the work done by Geologists Dow and Neall.)