Loss and Damage to Equipment

Relatively little damage occurred during the traverse and only two items were lost, these were a frameless kite and a ski pole to which it had been attached. Both items were blown away while the party was preparing to move camp.

The foot plate on T5 gave way while travelling on the Ice Shelf, and the right hand, handle bar upright on T6 was split on the tower Skelton Glacier, temporary repairs lasted for the duration of the trip. Two cow catcher lashings were broken but were not replaced in the field.

A primus box was partially destroyed during attempts to reconfigure the train in freak snow conditions and severe icing on the Lower Stair Case. We can report that primus boxes are unsuitable as "axle stands" for Grizzly toboggans!

Moderate damage was sustained by the sledges while being flown to Vanda, although the extent of the damage was not known prior to our departure for Christchurch it was clear that at least one handle bar had been badly damaged.