Refreshed after our three-day weekend (for those of us still working), a large number of current, past and honorary members of our club attended the funeral of our honorary member Colin Taylor, who had his last “toast/shout,” with all Rotarians invited to partake in a dram of whisky at the side of the coffin when situated the Hearse.
Our speaker at this week’s meeting was Zack Bennett, from the Antarctic Heritage Trust, who shared his insights into the highlights and challenges of living and working conditions in Antarctica, with the help of some fantastic photos.
Zack has been in his role for three years, working on multiple Antarctic restoration projects and splitting his work time between Timaru and the Christchurch Antarctic Centre.
One of the challenges is there is only one supply ship sent down to Antarctica every year, cargo for which is planned the previous year.
Flights in a 757 take three hours, but the 1968 Ski Hercules takes up to 11hrs and Zack is already planning for his next trip down to the ice in October, when he will spend several months, possibly living in a tent with an Italian contingent in the field, or at Scott Base, depending on which project he will be working on, with the possibility if he is at Scott Base, he will be able to contact us and share his journey, which is certainly very interesting and not for the faint hearted or those who like to keep warm. (Although he tells us he doesn’t find it too cold at times).
We wish Zack well in his endeavors.
Catch up again soon,
