The Mind Creative FEB 2014
Instructions of our expedition crew include maintaining a fivemetre clearance from the penguins and seals, to protect the
Antarctic wildlife. The penguins were curious and loving with
trusting, submissive characters. As we sit quietly observing them,
they waddle up towards us and adapt easily to our company.
Shackleton built this hut
during the British Antarctic
Nimrod Expedition in 1907
– 1909 for his winter
accommodation. Outside,
rest the bones of two of his
dogs, and their puppy
kennels, plus a great deal
of storage facilities. A
representative of the New
Zealand government police
makes sure our boots are
brushed clean, and we are
allowed to enter in limited
numbers.
The food stores, and fuel,
including
stocks
of
candles, have all been
perfectly preserved by the
dry
air
and
cold
temperatures.
The dark room, which was deliberately built, is astounding. It
supported all the necessary photographic work, which was
essential for the future archives of Shackleton’s exploration. The
glass windows are clean, and there is no dust anywhere in the
hut. Many artefacts were conserved here in 1961 when t