Victoria University Antarctic Research Expedition Science and Logistics Reports 1964-65: VUWAE 9
NARRATIVE OF ACTIVITIES
NARRATIVE OF ACTIVITIES
Volla, Baker, Bell, Heare, Prebble, Cole and Frame flew from New Zealand to McMurdo on November 13. Hoare, Baker and Bell were shifted by helicopter to Lake Vanda on November 15. Vella and Cole, with Ewart (U.Z. Geol. Survey) moved by helicopter to Block Island on the 18th. The days at Scott Base had been used to study the geology of Hut Point Peninsula in the Scott Base- McMurdo region, a familiarisation period which proved most useful in later geological work. Prebble and Frame remained at Scott Base until all the expedition's cargo arrived. When it had, a resupply was able to be taken to the Lake Vanda party on November 23, and Prebble and Promo were able to join the contingent on Black Island the same day. Also accomplished in this movement was the emplacement of a large supply dump on Brown Peninsula for use later in the season.
At the end of November, both the Vanda and Black Island groups were ready for movement to Brown Peninsula, which was accomplished by a joint helicopter mission on the 2nd December. The helicopters returned Ewart and Hoare to Scott Base. On Monday 7th December the Hon. Mr B.E. Talboys, Minister of Science and Mr J.T. Andrews, Chairman of the National Research Advisory Council with Adrian Haytor, Leader Scott Base and J. Calvert, Scott Base, visited the expedition on Brown Peninsula. The informal visit allowed Mr Talboys and Mr Andrews to inspect a field party camp and learn something at firsthand of Victoria University's activities in Antarctica. Their stay was enjoyed by the expedition members with when they left mail and fresh food from Scott Base. After several days of wind and blizzards, the party moved to a camp at the southern end of Brown Peninsula to try and complete the programme for phase I in the short time remaining. Vella and Frame returned by helicopter to Scott Base on December 14, Cole remaining in order to complete his volcanic studies.
Fine weather allowed the completion of the bedrock mapping before the party shifted to the Koettlitz on December 18. During this move a major supply dump with all remaining personnel was established at Niers Lake and four other depots were laid at strategic positions from Walcott Bay to Garwood Valley. N.F. Prebble, Deputy-leader Scott Base accompanied the party during this movement and returned with Cole to Scott Base.
After some delay in reaching Antarctica, Bradley, Zimmerman, Palmer and Schafer joined Prebble, Baker and Bell at Niers Lake on December 28. At the some time the depot at Hidden Lake was shifted to ard Lake. Christmas was celebrated the same day.
Work continued, by all members, in Niers Valley until January 4, when Prebble and Zimmerman journeyed south to beyond alcott Bay, returning to base camp on the 7th. Baker, Palmer and Schafer moved to Garwood Valley on January 9, returning early on the 11th. Prebble end Zimmerman then also moved to the Garwood Valley that day and returned the next. The Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition, led by Dr T. Torii and members of whom met VUWAE8 at Lake Bonney the previous summer, arrived at Niers Lake on the 11th January.
VUWAE 9 was moved by helicopter to Taylor Valley on January 13, Baker returning to Scott Base. Arrangements had been mode for him to fly back to New Zealand on the 16th with biological samples requiring urgent attention. Work continued from base camp at Lake Bonney in the Taylor Valley until January 25, when Boll and Zimmerman returned to Scott Base followed by the rest of the party the next day. Two days were spent packing samples and equipment before the expedition flew home to New Zealand on January 29.