New Zealand Sabbatical

Last week Dianne and I spent a day visiting the International Antarctic Center near Christchurch Airport. Presentations included getting up close to some Northern Husky dogs of the same breed as those who once played a large role in early explorations.

Another area included a storm room with cold temperatures and blowing air simulating polar conditions but, interestingly, the worst windchill they simulated was -1 Farenheit. My first thought was I have been in -40 windchills a time or two (though not these past 2 winters which has found us skipping Iowa’s winter for the New Zealand summer.)

Another treat was a ride in the Swedish vehicle called the Hagglund, a dual cab snow traverser with 4 rubber tracks similiar to a tank. It is designed to cross small crevasse up to 3 meters wide and is amphibious in case it breaks through the ice into water below. They haven’t changed at all since their first use in 1983 so it seems they are somewhat “frozen in time”.

By coincidence, the first patient I saw after this venture was an engaging 83 year old fellow who told me in conversation that he did 6 months at the Scott Base of the Sout Pole Station as an electrician and a cook. He particularly like the kitchen assignment as most of his time was spent beside the hot ovens while others were tending to duties out in the bitter cold. He allowed the selfie I took below and surprised me with pins commemorating his service.