Jigsaws, sketch pads essential for stay on Ice

Press, 6 January 1987, Page 6

Jigsaws, sketch pads essential for stay on Ice

By

YVONNE MULDER

Jigsaws, knitting wool, sketch pads and tapestry needles are essential equipment for a year’s stay in the Antarctic, according to Gudrun Gaudjan. Ms Gaudian, the only woman in the Greenpeace base camp team, believes it is important to be creative during the long winter months in Antarctica. “It’s like occupational therapy really,” she said., “We will all be doing something creative.” The four team members will conduct scientific experiments, and go on field trips when the weather is good. Ms Gaudian is the base scientist and will monitor pollution and study fish. “There is not much research done on krill, the most important part of the Antarctic food chain. I will be looking at what happens to it in winter in particular.” Knowledge of how fish behave in winter, under the ice, was also very sketchy. The other expedition members will help Ms

Gaudian with her research as well as their own duties. Mr Kevin Conaglen, base camp leader, is the mechanic. He was chief dog handler at Scott Base during the 1984-85 season, and is an experienced mountaineer. Mr Justin Farrelly is the base. radio operator and will be responsible for the modern telecommunications equipment the base needs. Dr Cornelius van Dorp is the base doctor and, like the other two men, is a New Zeal&nder. Ms Gaudian is German. Dr van Dorp will conduct his own medical research project. In his spare time he will make kites from aluminium and ripstop nylon, and hopes to fly them on the ice. The four will be making field trips, and visit Scott Base. The prospect of 12 months in a small camp with only each other to look at does not seem to worry them. “We could always build an igloo outside if things got really bad,” said Ms Gaudian.