It’s dark at the Pole, and even a headlamp’s light only goes so far. Paths to outlying buildings are lined with flags before winter arrives, when there’s still sufficient light for the installation. On a moonless winter night, though, there’s no question that the flag line has a value much greater than the sum of its parts. It’s a real lifesaver. Last week’s activities included some maintenance on a Rodwell pump, ensuring a stable water supply for the rest of the season, and some heavy lifting in the “Beer Can” (the large cylindrical structure that connects the aboveground main station to belowground corridors), when cold weather caused an elevator to stop working. Finally, it was all smiles for the South Pole dart team after their win against Halley station (but before their loss in a close match with Rothera).
