Written 11 December, 2007

We are at our Science Site 1, at approximately 2400 m elevation along Latitude 75. Just when we reached it, a strong snow blizzard came in from west resulting in both wind-blown precipitation and snowdrift. Due to the weather almost all outdoor activities have been postponed, giving us an opportunity to rest, compile data and do maintenance on vehicles and equipment.

The one-day storm has formed 2-metre high snowpiles on the leeside of vehicles and living modules, so instead of being totally flat, the camp is now difficult to cross. Tomorrow we will take off towards the Kohnen station. It is a 300 km drive, and will take some days. The scientific work which we cannot do now will be postponed to the return trip in mid January. This is a pity, but not a big problem.

Everyone in the crew is pleased by the fact that we are now at a high elevation, above crevassed areas and steep slopes. From now we are heading inland and we are thrilled about our task: to perform a successful expedition with good science work and a safe journey. Per Holmlund and Tomas Karlberg