Part III: Antarctica and Academe - Scott Polar Research Institute

presented them with bottles of scotch. Then we went up to their base and after being
filmed in the BCs office we looked over the establishment. It was impressive - many
new huts built that season to replace older huts. The emphasis of the science was on
atmospheric sciences, ozone, meteorology, pollution, astronomy, but there was a
small biological project carried out by Ury Smirnov.
They had built a large freshwater dam and bulldozers had churned up the whole
site of the base. They also had amphibians, of DUKWS-type. There was an
astronomical telescope. One meteorologist did all the met recording, which was
passed on to the Russian centre at Molodeznaya. Living quarters were spacious, 2bed
rooms, sauna bath, big dining room, and recreation room. They receive news
bulletins by facsimile. A number of old buildings was being replaced by new ones
standing on steel legs and girders. After touring the base we repaired to Lebedov's
office for snacks and drink (vodka of course), mineral water from the Caucasus,
caviar (red and black), pickled mushrooms (very good), salami, shrimps, cheese and
Russian bread. Toasts were drunk and presents exchanged - all very friendly. After
21/2 hrs of this we made a move for the Biscoe and invited the five senior Russians on
board for drinks. It was all very convivial. However, Malcolm was rightly getting
restive so soon we saw them off in the geminis and had lunch. I also had a crop of
disturbing telegrams for my attention.
Meanwhile the Rip Point field party had been picked up by gemini from the ship
- in 11/2 hrs that was good going. We were around to Admiralty Bay by about 4
o’clock to land parties. The Rig Mate was there lying just off the former BAS base on
Keller Peninsula and we landed the first field party there. On our way out again we
landed the second. I spoke to Stuart at Halley on the radio; he was still having
trouble but hoped to get on his way next day. As we left Admiralty Bay we met a
moderate swell and turned to the north along the south side of King George Island. I
looked out for Bridgman Island, an extinct volcano, but in the poor visibility didn't
see it. We were due to proceed to Stanley and catch a plane to Comodoro Rivadavia
and thence another on to Buenos Aires and home. As we moved out into Drake
Passage on 12 February there was quite a lot of movement in the ship – with creaks
and other noises. Although there was poor visibility due to the fog and a heavy
swell, we were making good time and it looked as though we would catch the plane.
The usual batch of signals came in for attention, including one from Beverton in
code, which said:
"You should proceed direct to Punta Arenas, following western route outlined in
telegram c/527/76. There you will receive comprehensive instructions and
background information on Tuesday February 17th. Regret inconvenience but it may
be required you fly to UK from Punta Arenas."
C/527/76 had been received the previous day and read "Director /Adie [Deputy
Director]. Immediate. Following urgent meeting with John H[eap]. Secretary NERC
et al. suggest for your consideration:
1.Retain order of Biscoe's itinerary.
2. Perhaps extend visit to South Shetlands.
3. Make west approach to PA [=Punta Arenas] and delay departure for next call.
4.Instruct Bransfield to curtail scientific programme after Signy. This is in
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