The Hibernation Ends

August is finally here, marking the peak of the polar winters. July and August are the coldest and the windiest months in Antarctica. The lowest temperatures and the most ferocious blizzards are seen during this time. It has been no different during our expedition. What happens during August remains to be seen. But July lived upto its reputation. Temperature touched -33ºC in mid July. It also saw the maximum number of blizzard days in a month so far- around 15. July also brought sunshine with it. Days are now bright but certainly not warm. The sun rises for about 5 hours now, but is hardly seen above the horizon. The length of the day increases by 15 minutes everyday. Soon the rate will decrease to about 8 minutes per day. When it is at its zenith (local noon is at 11:40 AM), it casts an orange glow all around. It is a pleasure to feel the sun on my face at the breakfast table. The ozone hole is at its maximum at this time of the year. Protection, especially of the eyes, is mandatory. Mahabharat plays on the TV in bright sunshine as against total darkness at the same time in the afternoon 2 weeks back. There is some light now when I go for my afternoon siesta at 3. The sun casts a fiery red glow after it disappears behind the Schirmacher range. It appears as if the sky is on fire.

The snow has now compacted and become as hard as ice. Feet do not sink in the snow any more. It is like walking on firm but slippery ground.

The mood in the station can be equated with that of a polar bear stirring out of its hibernation. The gloom is slowly lifting. We are shaking away the laziness of the polar nights. Outdoor activities are being planned for the coming days. The energy is slowly returning. After the long dark Polar Night, there is some perceivable movement around, never mind if the only things that move in this icy wilderness are the sun and the wind. The frozen water bodies play with the rays of the sun. The mind perceives it as a sign of life. The various shades of the day are now visible. Shadows are now being formed. These are welcome signs after a trip to the ice age. There's more to come. But the mind wants to believe that the worst is over. It's just 3 months of isolation left, before we see fresh faces.

The convoys will restart next month when it begins to get warm. The scientific traverses of the geology team have already started. We are now eagerly awaiting news about the next team and news about our departure, which is planned in December. The first ALCI flight will land here on 31st October, marking the end of our isolation. Food and medical stocks are being assessed and the emergency demand lists are being prepared. All the tasks assigned to our team are complete. Our only jobs now are the regular maintenance of the station and continuation of the scientific observations that continue round the year.