December 18, 2009 Step Back in History 106 Years

Trekkers,We are on a journey through time today. We are going back just over 100

years.

Mr Wesche joins you on a tour of Discovery Hut

Near McMurdo Station there is a building that has been standing since it was built by the crew of "The Discovery". This ship's crew was on an expedition led by Captain Robert F. Scott. Due to the cold temperatures and dry air the hut and all of its contents, even the 100 year old dead seal at the door way caught for food, are in remarkably good condition.

Nothing has changed in 100 years. Even the wood is original.

This is where our journey begins past a window that explores of our past gazed out at the frozen sea.

The window of time - What do you think they saw?

We are now part of history. You and I are trekking together and are now part of the history that is Antarctica.

Who has passed this way before?

Inside we are guests here, passing through a global history. All are careful to leave everything undisturbed, untouched, unmoved. Six of us are allowed through this small building at a time, and there is a reverenced hush. Pass by the items. Imagine their uses.

Who was the last man to touch each item?

What were they thinking?

Who were they missing back home?

Pause at each picture and reflect.

Baking powder biscuits

Who tended the fire? Who cooked the meal?

A taste of home?

Melting snow for drinking, who hauled the snow?

Dog biscuits?

Who enjoyed these?

After we leave the hut we walk a short distance up a hill to look down on Discovery Hut. What a contrast. The old, Discovery Hut, and the new, McMurdo Station, right there in the same view.

Discovery Hut on the left, McMurdo on the right.

Could those men of old have even contemplated the advancements in science that would bring about science being conducted in McMurdo?

Is it possible they believed others would follow and expand the knowledge of the world instantly?

What we do know is that lives were lost during "The Age of Discovery".

Men like George T. Vince of "The Discovery" died pursuing the goal of exploration.

SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF...

They are remembered sometimes by name, more often only in the hearts of us who follow the paths of those unnamed individuals. There have been many men and women who spent lifetimes pursuing the unknown seeking knowledge and understanding for future generations like you and me.

Remember the past...it is part of your future.

Trekkers, thank you for traveling with me into the past. More importantly thank you for being with me into the future,

Fondly, Mr. W