
SP, UG, VBC, PA? There are a lot of acronyms in Antarctica, and we're having fun using them. See the bottom of the dispatch for a few more and what they all mean. Today it was really nice for the group to wake up at the South Pole. No need to quickly break camp. No need to ski anywhere. Food made for them! Hot drinks without having to melt snow. Ahh....
Gary and Tay flew back to Union Glacier (there were only two seats left on the first flight). Everyone else had a relaxed and casual day. They were very lucky to get a tour of the Amundsen Scott South Pole Station which was a fantastic experience, with three station staff guides showing them around. A plane is scheduled to arrive in the evening for an early morning return flight to Union Glacier. Weather allowing it will be a busy day for some of the team who are returning tomorrow to Punta Arenas, Chile. For the others there will be some time at Union Glacier to prepare for their climb up Mt. Vinson.
We are absolutely thrilled for everyone to have reached the South Pole. Well done!
Acronym Key:
SP = South Pole
UG = Union Glacier
VBC = Vinson Base Camp
PA = Punta Arenas
Other Antarctic acronyms from the USAP (that's the United States Antarctic Program):
DNF = Do Not Freeze
ECW = Extreme Cold Weather
POC = Point of Contact
PSR = Point of Safe Return
KBA = Kenn Borek Air
HERBIE = Term used to describe storm with fierce winds and/or snow
Boomerang = A flight that departs and returns to its origin due to weather or mechanical problems.
Thanks for following the expedition dispatches and check back again tomorrow for another update from Antarctica!
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