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Narrative of Activities

Professor Wilson and Dr. House left New Zealand on 31st October and flew from Mc Hurdo to the South Pole Station on 3rd December. They spent 2 weeks at the Pole before returning to Scott Base on November 21st. From Scott Base Wilson and House made a 36 hour visit by helicopter to Lake Helen (Fig. II) Taylor Valley and returned via the Dailey Islands where they examined U.S.A.R.P. drilling operations in the sea ice.

Messrs, Henderson, Hoare, Popplewell and Prebble left New Zealand on November 22nd and the whole party was moved to Lake-Fryxell (Fig. II), Taylor Valley, 2 days later. During this movement supply dumps were established at Lakes Fryxell, Chad, Bonney and Diana in the Taylor Valley; Lakes Vanda, Don Juan and the Upper Wright Glacier in the Wright Valley; and Lakes Webb, Vashka and Vida in the Barwick - Victoria Valleys. At the same time the scientific equipment at Jake Helen was moved to Lake Diana, following the findings of Wilson and House a few days previously. During the employment of the dumps trebble, Henderson, House and Wilson were able to spend a day at Lake Vanda before rejoining the rest of the party at Fryxell.

The expedition remained in the Taylor Valley until January th. During that period Lakes Fryxell, Chad, a large unnamed lake, and two smaller ponds Lake Donnay and Lake Diana were intensively studied. On December 9th it was learned from Scott Base that the Darrain movement would not be possible. Wherever possible the party walked between dumps in the valley. Helicopter support was asked for once and granted in order to move from Bonney to Diana and also to reconnoitre lakes in the Beacon Valley are situated across the crevassed upper Taylor Glacier.

On 23rd December unexpected helicopter support was provided when a chopper dropped in on the camp at Diana. This visit enabled Professor Wilson to accompany U.S.A.R.P. scientists on a brief drilling excursion to the Beacon Valley. On their return trip the VX-6 chopper pilots co-operated in moving V.U.W.A.E. 8 back down the valley in 2 elements:- Prebble, Popplewell, House and Hoare to Lake Fryxell for late observations and Wilson and Henderson to Bonney.

Xmas Day found the party reunited at Bonney. Xmas was celebrated and Dr. Wilson left for Scott Base on 30th December. Some Japanese scientists arrived the next day and New Years Eve was celebrated with them in true Antarctic style. Some samples and cargo were returned to Scott Base with Wilson who visited Cape Evans before returning to New Zealand.

Professor Wellman arrived at Scott Base in the New Year and joined the party during she move to the Wright and Victoria Valleys on January 7th. In this movement dumps already established at Lakes Vida and Vanda and the Upper Wright Glacier were supplemented with party gear and scientific equipment from dumps in the Taylor Valley, Wellman, Hoare and Popplewell were flown to Lake Vanda and House, Henderson and Prebble to Lake Vida. The party at Vida spent 3 days examining the lake and the upper and lower Victoria Valley and Glaciers before walking to Vanda. through Bull Pass.

On the 15th January, Henderson and Prebble walked through the North Fork and Labyrinth to the Upper Wright Glacier, and returned 2 days later. In the meantime, the rest of the party had visisted lake Don Juan in She South Fork.

After some days of snow followed by high winds, the expedition was returned to Scott Base on 19th January. Two further flights were necessary to Withdraw all the samples and equipment.

A reconnaissance of White Island, Black Island and Brown Peninsula. was made by all 5 members, using a helicopter, on 20th January.

The expedition returned to New Zealand with 1400 lbs. of samples on January 25th. The remainder of the cargo was brought back by H.[unclear: M.N.Z.]S. Endeavour in early March.