And it's gone! We will not see the sun again until October.
Rides....We have them. The vehicles have operational restrictions for use with regard to temperatures. None run well in the extreme cold and they can only be used for station critical operations during the winter months. During the summer months vehicles are used for snow removal, transportation of personnel and materials to different locations around the station, cargo and fueling. The most basic being snowmobiles.
All rules apply. You must be trained and use all of the required personal protective equipment before being allowed to drive any of the vehicles on station. Even then, use is specific to your job requirements. Recreational use is prohibited.
One of my favorite vehicles is the tracked van. The thing is just cool! I'd like some of those tracks for my truck back home :)
Others are intended for rougher, longer hauls onto the ice.
And then there are the heavy lifters that can do just about anything.
But when winter hits and temps drop all of the above are subject to breakdowns that can be costly to repair and we don't have a parts store down the street. At those extreme temperatures we rely on the oldest most proven method of transportation. Walking! Dress properly, hydrate often and eat lots. It's amazing what the body can endure. I'm in the background below. The other gentleman is a six foot plus fire tech. We were on our way back from the dark sector labs (more on the labs in the future). A two mile round trip outing. Good times!
Next Post? Sunset Dinner
Is there a buddy system? Does everyone carry a compass and beacon in case they get turned around or disoriented? Wouldn't be fun to be list or have something happen when you are out there alone...
ReplyDeleteTPop, there is no mandatory buddy system here at Pole. We do implement non-official systems depending on what we are doing, where and weather. For instance, during the dark months those heading out to the Dark Sector Labs (3/4 of mile out) are asked to check out and back in with someone on station. Compases do not work well here due to our proximity to the magnetic pole. Headlamps and flashlights are carried by all when dark to include a spare battery for the two way radios. There are several buildings throughout the complex that have red lights on and there are flag lines from and to some buildings. If the weather is bad to where you can't see 10 feet in front of you you should not be out unless it is mission critical.If you are out and get lost there are procedures to follow, make a radio call, stay put or get into the nearest building/shack. On station we will turn on more light and send out a SAR team to find you. Has not happened this season and we don't expect it to happen. Everyone has been really good about using the needed judgment.
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