Antarctica–Expedition to the Ross Sea EP6: Mt Erebus & the huts of Shackleton and Scott

The huts of Shackleton and Scott were built on the west coast of Ross Island. The island itself consists entirely of the lava outflow from the active volcano, Mt Erebus. It is hard to tell that it is an island because it is permanently connected to the mainland by the Ross Ice Shelf. All the explorers attempting to be the first to reach the South Pole, except for Amundsen, started from here, deep into McMurdo Sound. It is almost as far south as it is possible to go in the world by ship, and the most likely place to be relatively ice free at this latitude in summer which is obviously a prerequisite. Even so, if you want an even money chance of being able to get to these huts, it is best to come in late summer during the ice minimum. We steamed down McMurdo Sound in eerie conditions. We knew Mt Erebus was close by to our east, but it was completely obscured by fog. Memories of the disastrous plane crash came to mind. Ice obstructed the bay in front of Shackleton’s modest hut so we landed further to the north and hiked for about 2 km over Mt Erebus’s massive lava flows. In an incredible stroke of luck, the fog lifted when we reach the high point, giving us crystal clear views of the mountain and Erebus Bay. Next day, moving south to Cape Evans, we were able to land right at Scott’s hut, which is palatial by comparison. It was a poignant experience, seeing the personal possessions, supplies and equipment lying around as if just abandoned, especially knowing the history. Above Scott’s hut is a memorial cross to three men of the Ross Sea Party who lost their lives laying food depots towards the South Pole for the second half of Shackleton’s attempted Antarctic crossing via the South Pole. The irony is that Shackleton’s ship was crushed in the ice in the Weddell Sea on the other side of the continent and his expedition never began, unbeknownst to the Ross Sea Party, so their efforts were for nought. This story is poorly known compared with the famous escape of Shackleton and his crew in a 22-foot boat after the destruction of their ship. Cruise run by Heritage Expeditions, New Zealand.