Some of the most fascinating things about this continent are the historical huts that remain virtually untouched. These buildings provide an authentic view of life in Antarctica 100 years ago. The huts are managed by the
New Zealand Antarctica Heritage.
Because the weather stays at an average of 0 degrees F, the contents of these huts has been "frozen in time." Clothes and floorboards will not rot. Seal blubber still lays inside the hut for oil, eating, waterproofing, etc. Books and journals are about each building.
Biscuits, oatmeal, and cocoa line the floors and walls. These "museums" are so authentic they wreak of eery feelings and the disappointment of failed Antarctic expeditions.
The Discovery Hut, which is closest to McMurdo was one of the first structures go up in Antarctica. It was actually a design from Australia and meant to last four years. Amazingly, this inconvenient warm-weather shelter it is still standing. Inside, the dark atmosphere lets off a dank feel, even though the air is dry and sun streams through the windows. Half of the hut is soot-filled from the kitchen area. A musty smell fills the air, while wooden crates and rations litter the floor. The small structure could fit 40 men!
Again, there is a cross on the hill in memorial for all those who perished around here. Many died not far from here. It certainly is a good reminder to bring our ECW (extra cold weather) gear with us when we head out of town!
Some of the most fascinating things about this continent are the historical huts that remain virtually untouched. These buildings provide an authentic view of life in Antarctica 100 years ago. The huts are managed by the New Zealand Antarctica Heritage.
Because the weather stays at an average of 0 degrees F, the contents of these huts has been "frozen in time." Clothes and floorboards will not rot. Seal blubber still lays inside the hut for oil, eating, waterproofing, etc. Books and journals are about each building. 
Biscuits, oatmeal, and cocoa line the floors and walls. These "museums" are so authentic they wreak of eery feelings and the disappointment of failed Antarctic expeditions.
The Discovery Hut, which is closest to McMurdo was one of the first structures go up in Antarctica. It was actually a design from Australia and meant to last four years. Amazingly, this inconvenient warm-weather shelter it is still standing. Inside, the dark atmosphere lets off a dank feel, even though the air is dry and sun streams through the windows. Half of the hut is soot-filled from the kitchen area. A musty smell fills the air, while wooden crates and rations litter the floor. The small structure could fit 40 men!
Again, there is a cross on the hill in memorial for all those who perished around here. Many died not far from here. It certainly is a good reminder to bring our ECW (extra cold weather) gear with us when we head out of town!
1 comment:
Andrea,
I've loved following your blog and hearing about everything you've been going through. Yahoo did a story on this same hut at McMurdo station, and of course I thought of you and checked out your blog only to find that you had beat Yahoo to the punch! That's pretty impressive when you're faster than Yahoo!
God Bless,
Pastor Jeff
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