May 1, 2017

We received a plane on a perfect day for flying

Skier 12 leaves EGRIP in a spectacular fashion using ATO (Assisted Take Off) solid fuel rockets.

Today, for once, we were not nervous about receiving a plane to EGRIP. The weather was perfect: Clear blue sky, -20°C and a moderate wind along the skiway. The operation went fine. We received 6.5 ton cargo and fuel. Hello to Iben, Maria, Camilla, Motohiro, Hans Christian, Steffen, Jens Christian and Bo. Good bye to Jesper from PM Energy who did a fantastic job on the main generator.
As we now are 19 people in camp, the weatherports came into use. Most people are now sleeping in weatherports and only 4 are sleeping in the main dome. We still do not have running water, so all were briefed on the importance of good hand hygiene using alcohol. With the inflow of so many people, the dynamics in camp has changed. A tonight people got together with a movie and popcorn. For the next 17 days, we are now on our own, as the next plane is scheduled to the 18th May.

What we did today:

1. Main snow melter is activated. We should get running water tomorrow.
2. Work on modifying new cooks snow melter and central heating in the main dome in on-line.
3. Built food weatherport.
4. Received Skier 12 (90) with 8 new members of camp crew.
5. Sorting out arriving cargo.
6. Installing electrical heat in weatherports.
7. The big move: People moved from main dome to weatherports.

Weather today: Clear all day, with moderate wind. Temp. -19°C to -33°C. Wind: 12 kt to 17 kt from SW. Visibility: To horizon.

FL, J.P. Steffensen