26 Jan 2023

Midnight Memories at McMurdo Station, Scott's Hut, and More

As the day turned over, we found ourselves preparing to board our Zodiacs at Cape Evans. The late hour did not deter us as the midnight sun was shining and our mood ecstatic as we landed at what polar historians consider one of the most important sites in Antarctica: Scott's Hut.

Stepping inside was like stepping back in time. The exceptionally well-preserved hut and artifacts were almost exactly as they were when used by Robert Falcon Scott and his men during the Terra Nova Expedition of 1910-13.

After a few hours' sleep and breakfast we were ready to go out again at Cape Royds where we undertook a 2-kilometres hike through a desolate but beautiful volcanic landscape to reach Sir Ernest Shackleton's Hut, built during the Nimrod polar expedition of 1907-09, and framed by the incredible backdrop of Mount Erebus.

We appreciated the living conditions of these pioneering explorers and the amazing preservation work of the Antarctic Heritage Trust. Just when we thought we had made the most of the day, our Expedition Leader Aaron Russ and our Captain set our course for Hut Point, site of the hut used by Scott during his 1901-04 Discovery expedition.

Our after-dinner landing offered a tour of the hut along with views of McMurdo Station and a chance to go for a polar plunge at the southernmost landing of our cruise.

Upon returning to Heritage Adventurer, just before midnight, we realised with satisfaction we had made our own piece of polar history by visiting three historic huts in 24 hours.

Images(c): H.Dohn