![]() Q7: And was there anything in the science that particularly interested you? Unprecedented in any other sphere of Antarctic science, 39 students have now done a Masters or PhD thesis on Erebus. ![]() It has also been a great joy to communicate with and receive help from many younger scientists who have been drawn to Erebus. One, Philip Kyle, has now had 44 seasons on Erebus, unparalleled elsewhere in Antarctic research. ![]() Though now scattered around the globe, I greatly enjoyed reconnecting with past Erebus scientists, many of whom are still working on volcanoes. Q6: Science is very much to the fore in the book and is clearly something you are especially interested in. What did I think, going over the edge? ‘Gulp! Surely, this is not on my Public Service job description!’ Clearly, it was a madcap adventure, but I think the whole team was carried along by Werner’s passion and drive to achieve his goal. What was running through your mind as you went over the edge?Īs a mountaineer I needed to make sure the rope and pulley system we had rigged up on the lip of the Inner Crater worked efficiently before allowing Werner Giggenbach to embark on his quest to capture uncontaminated gases from a fumarole close to the lava lake. Q5: You were the first person to descend into the Inner Crater of Erebus, an active volcano. Even with modern air support Antarctic peaks are remote (even Erebus), so it is always important to climb well within one’s technical limits. The NZARP (now Antarctica New Zealand) safety record in the field speaks for itself. This policy paid enormous dividends to keep enthusiastic climbers motivated and, importantly, in tune with what was for them a strange new environment. We had an unwritten rule whereby they were encouraged to climb mountains whenever possible (usually at ‘night’ as it doesn’t get dark) as long as they were back at ‘work’ next morning. Q4: What are the particular challenges of mountaineering in Antarctica and climbing Erebus in particular?Įach season at Scott Base I employed between 8 and 14 mountaineers to support science parties and to form a rescue team. for assuredly, you’ll meet many exciting likeminded characters who have a zest for discovery and who are driven to work as a team while following their passion, be it a trade or a branch of science. But, yes, perhaps you do have to be a little barking mad to work in Antarctica, but therein lies one of its great joys. Q3: Your company is called Barking Mad Books – do you have to be a bit mad to work in Antarctica?īarking Mad Books is my home-based antiquarian bookshop specialising in polar, mountain and exploration material which operates as an adjunct to my main book and image reference library (used by writers, publishers, expedition climbers). In writing Erebus The Ice Dragon, I not only wanted to record the long human history of a very special volcano but I was determined to stimulate the next generation of Antarctic workers, which is why I included the detailed science chapters plus the extensive bibliography and further reading as a starting point for young polar students. ![]() As a mountain person, Erebus proved to be irresistible, hence my three expeditions associated with Kiwi geologist Dr Philip Kyle from Victoria University that culminated in going into the Inner Crater in 1978. The volcano looks friendly and benign from sea level yet working near the summit poses a unique set of challenges and dangers. ![]() Q2: Why a book specifically on Mount Erebus?Įrebus forms a spellbinding backdrop for all who work at Scott Base. I’ve now had 32 summer seasons in Antarctica, spanning 1973 to 2020, though, sadly, I have not wintered over. This approach helped greatly to become a better administrator by improving my understanding of what scientists were trying to achieve, to appreciate new geography and to improve the logistic support and equipment needed to run a safe operation. What was your role there?Īs the Field Operations Officer for the New Zealand Antarctic Research Programme during the 1970s and early 1980s, I attached myself to different field parties during each of my ten summers at Scott Base. Q1: You’ve visited Antarctica many times as a mountaineer and a photographer, as well as working at Scott Base. ![]()
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