Introduction
The Journey South
Further South
Icecliff Landing
Arrival at Base
Life on Base
Huskies
Wildlife
Sledging Trips
Relief of Base
Photo Gallery
Early Exploration
Contact and Links


Into the Ice

Completely different ice conditions are encountered in the Antarctic every summer, depending on wind and weather. Loose pack ice can quickly be blown towards land or fast ice and re-form into solid impenetrable ice. Conditions change rapidly, a constant watch having to be kept on changing wind and weather patterns.
  Pack ice and bergs   Biscoe in pack ice   Ice breaking

Broken and loose pack ice was easily navigable by the Biscoe but on many occasions the ship had to force a passage through thick ice. Eventually in early January 1964 she became completely icebound near the Antarctic Circle at a latitude of 66° 30' S.
Biscoe in pack ice Stuck fast in heavy ice Hard digging

The ship remained completely iced in until early February, during which time it drifted hundreds of kilometres with the sea ice. Ice saws, crow bars and pick axes made no impression on the thick ice.
Drift while icebound   Icebound


Eventually open leads allowed the southern journey to progress until fast ice was again encountered many miles north of the the Base on the southern tip of Adelaide Island in Marguerite Bay. A tactical retreat northwards was made for fear of becoming beset.  

The map above left shows the drift of the RRS John Biscoe whilst 
stuck in ice for over a month.


All photographs are scans from personally owned slides