Antarctica
Antarctica
Scott Base
October 1997 to October 1998
Last updated, 5-5-2024
Welcome to a small part of Antarctica called Scott Base.
My name is Ray Young, and between October 1997 and October 1998 I had the privilege of being able to live and work at New Zealand's Antarctic facility designed to support science. My particular job was as an electrician looking after the electrical aspects of Scott Base operations. During the Antarctic winter of 1998 I started designing this web page in my spare time so that friends and family could see what it was like there. Since then it seems to have grown to include e-mail correspondence with classrooms, background information for people who have a common interest in Antarctica and memory-jogging pictures for those who have already been down there. Whatever your interest in Antarctica, I'm sure there is something here for you.
Many of the pages are packed with images, hopefully making it easier to comprehend. If you go to my new website you might find some old video
Geocities has been an incredible site for preserving this content. Unfortunately, some items no longer function, so I am considering a new plan.
I am starting to build a new website over at https://ultracoolrunner.com
Ultracoolrunner - Best Adventure EVER - Scott Base
email: [email protected]
Scott Base and McMurdo vehicle hitching rails
Scott Base's location in Antarctic and Scott Base with Mt. Erebus behind it. It's farther away than it looks.
One of the many Auroura displays at South Pole Station. Photographed by base personel in 1999 and gratefully sent to me by Susan Sawtelle (a winter over member of 2000.)
Pages for Viewing
Scott Base Winter Over Crew 1997 to 1998 All twelve of us in splendid color (including B&W) with a little explanation of what we think we should be doing down here.
Adventure Some interesting scenery and information.
Vehicles Aircraft Ships Ever wondered how we got here or get around? I know I did, so here are some things about the transport we use.
Recreation Not everything we do involves ice, snow or hard work.
Scenery of Various Sorts Sun-scapes and Moonlight - A time for reflection - when Antarctica makes you sit down and think about nothing but isolation and splendor. Most people who have experienced Antarctica will know what I mean.
Food - Pauline's cooking and culinary habits exposed. I even managed to pry her theoretical menus out of her.
Kid's Quest The answers to some of the kid's questions (from Cindy's class ); not the only school classroom I corresponded with, but one of the first.
March 98 April 98 May 98 June 98 July 98 August 98 These are the Internet copies of our monthly (Scott Base-produced) winter newspaper. It's been re-edited, of course, as we don't want to air all our little secrets. In here you will find heaps of insight into the daily routines - highs and lows of the Scott Base winter dwellers.
Antarctic Clothing Some days are hot, some days are not !!. See how we dress for the occasion.
Weather History, Conversion Tables, Atmospheric Science Equipment, Ozone Depletion If you are into atmospheric science or weather patterns for Antarctica, have a look at this. If you're interested in the many various science reports produced every year, go to the official Antarctica New Zealand web site.
Wildlife Around Scott Base - penguins, seals, killer whales and birds (the feathered kind).
The Crosses We Bear Just a little bit about the memorials around the Ross Island Antarctic region.
A Night To Remember Some brilliant photos at night and new twilight as well as some other stuff. (A reasonably large file but very worthwhile if you like big, colourful pictures.)
Books for Reference and Enjoyment A short list of books you may want to look at.
Twilight The twilight days before the season's first rays of sun at Winfly.
Common Questions for Newcomer's To Scott Base So you landed a job at Scott Base... what now ?? Someone told me this section would be a bit boring unless, of course, you're nuts enough to come down here and work. You however, unlike some of my more critical friends, may find it interesting for other reasons.
Antarctic Treaty Claims Map This map gives you an idea of what various countries would like to think they own. It seems to change slightly from year to year, with the USA not even acknowledging land claims in Antarctica.
Historic Buildings of Ross Island Antarctica A quick look at the historic buildings on Ross Island Antarctica. See inside and out... Get a feeling for "old" style Antarctic living.
Maps and Diagrams To show you where in the world Scott Base is and where many things are located on the island. It also shows where some of the old exploration routes were and when they where made.
Inside Scott Base A look inside Scott Base and what it was like in the year of 1997 -1998. Some pictures explaining what it's all about and the differences between summer and winter conditions.
Outside Scott Base 
Take a look around the outside of the Scott Base buildings with explanations what each is about. (Finished 6-6-00. Editor to tidy up the spelling and grammar at a later date but basically, it's finished.)
McMurdo Station This is just a quick look at McMurdo. The residents, who often produce web pages, can show it to you in far better detail than I. Remember that this particular page is not finished yet and all you see are the beginning of some photos with no explanations yet. (still under construction)
Links to other people's and organization's web sites
This is a page dedicated to listing other people's and organization's web sites. If you have your own web site about Antarctica (or related topic), tell me and I can include a link to your site.
Dave and Mike flagging a new sea ice route, Mt Erebus bathed in winter twilight (Referred to by Scott as the "Sky was on fire"), Emperor Penguins enjoying the afternoon light of the long summer day
Geocities has been an incredible site for preserving this content. Unfortunately, some items no longer function, so I am considering a new plan.
I am starting to build a new website over at https://ultracoolrunner.com
Ultracoolrunner - Best Adventure EVER - Scott Base
You can e-mail me : [email protected]
In these two links you will find information on future contact and a few thanks to some helpful people like my editor.
Written By Ray ( ICQ # 11253208 )
Re-edited (I am a shoking speller) and rebuilt by Shirley - [email protected] ICQ # 15167279
All information, photos and content on this and preceding web pages may not be used for profit. All rights reserved.
www.geocities.com/coolrunnernz/
9-3-01