We are ready to go! The day started with a briefing at ALE (Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions). They went through the flight-plan, emergency- and other procedures. They were also told the weather is looking good. This means the chances of the flight to go ahead are very good.
The Twin Otters arrived at Patriot Hills first. They made a report on the weather and condition of the landing strip. The landing strip is a huge blue ice field. There was some snow on it, but they hoped the wind would sweep it away.
With all the preparations done the teams going in are put on a 35 minute flight alert. That means when the call comes, the bus will be outside the hotel in 35 minutes. After that it is GO!
The other task today was to weigh all the equipment. 53 bags and barrels were lined up and weighed in at 1390 kg. That is somewhat more than their allocation, but from what we understand they were still allowed to bring their 40 kg “cozy-box”… That is good news, because over-weight is US$ 65/kg, which means the “cozy-box” would have had to be left behind.
So from now on it is just a waiting game. Will they get the go early in the morning? Or will they have to wait till later in the afternoon? Or will the weather push the flight back into uncertainty? “Nail biting hours” lie ahead. We will bring you the latest as soon as we get it.