Scott's Terra Nova Hut
Trip Start
Oct 13, 2006
1
3
22
Trip End
Mar 2007
McMurdo,
Antarctica
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
The men passed their time in the hut by staying relatively busy. There were a number of scientific experiments being done
100 year old Penguin in the Hut
. They kept detailed records of the weather around McMurdo sound and checked and mended the equipment that was going to be used for the polar traverse. They often had evening lectures. One of the scientists would talk about the recent findings of his work, or they would simply tell stories and laugh. On January 6, 1912 Scott and four of his men crossed the line of latitude that marked the point where Shackleton had turned around. They were farther south, they believed, than anyone had ever been before. Unfortunately, they were wrong. One week later they crossed the 89th parallel and laid out their last depot. Three days later as they walked toward the pole they began to see something in the distance. It was a tent and a Norwegian flag, they had been beat to the pole. They had reached their goal, but the ultimate prize had been stolen from them.
The return trip was more torture, the weather got worse each day, they were moving slower than they had originally planned. They were all tired and many days were unable to move because of blizzards. Two of the men died along the route. The remaining three bodies were found in their tent, with their journals and letters that they had written home in their last moments before death.
Chemistry Lab inside the Hut
Entries from Scott's journal:
"Evan's party going ahead on foot. We followed on ski. Very stupidly we had not seen to our ski shoes beforehand, and it took a good half-hour to get them right...when we did get away, to our surprise the sledge pulled very easily, and we made fine progress, rapidly gaining on the foot-haulers." -1 Jan. 1912
"A very terrible day, Evans was on his knees with clothing disarranged, hands uncovered and frostbitten, and a wild look in his eyes...we got him into the tent quite comatose. He died quietly at 12:30 a.m. -17 Feb.
"...no fuel and one or two of food left-must be near end. Have decided it shall be natural-we shall march...and die in our tracks." -22 March
Scott's last entry in his journal.
"Had we lived, I should have had a tale to tell of the hardihood, endurance, and courage of my companions which would have stirred the heart of every Englishman. These rough notes and our dead bodies must tell the tale." -Exact date unknown
It was amazing to be able to enter their hut. To see all their gear, goods and equipment, just as they were left. Knowing such a few number of people will ever enter this place, it was really an incredible honor.
