Traverses from WilkesSpring 1960 Southern TraversePhotos of Spring 1960 Southern TraverseMembers
Harry Black - Leader, navigator, science VehiclesWeasels Eva and Weasel 14, Sno Cat "SNO-CATHIE", and caravan ANEATA (built by Don Butling). Traxcavator in support to S2. GoalsPlans were underway for equipment to be delivered to Wilkes for a traverse in 1961. No traverse was planned for 1960. However an enthusiastic OIC Harry Black proposed an advance traverse in support of the planned traverse using available equipment. This was approved and the traverse was a significant success reaching a furthest south point of 289km south of S2. Extensive scientific measurements were made along the way, such as meteorology and glaciology, and extensive measurements made of existing ongoing experiments at the glaciology station S2. Also very importantly the well marked trail and fuel dumps south of S2 made longer trip in 1961, and the 1962 Vostok traverse possible. The caravan constructed by Don Butling (ANEATA) was also to used by future traverses. Timeline
Totten Glacier 1962 Autumn TraverseMembers
Robert Thomson - Leader, navigator VehiclesGoalsInvestigate the region south east of Wilkes and lay fuel for a longer spring traverse. The region behind the Totten glacier was found to be heavily crevasedand impracticle for a spring traverse. Timeline
Vostok 1962 Spring TraverseMembers
Robert Thomson - Leader, navigator, radio operator Vehicles2 Caterpillar D4 tractors (D4 Able and D4 Bravo), and 2 Weasels (Eva and W11). Only D4B and W11 went all the way to Vosotok, with the other 2 vehicles being left 70 miles short. Caravan ANEATA for living quarters. GoalsConduct scientific studies (glaciology, meteorology) between Wilkes and Vostok, siginificantly extending the southern most traverses from Wilkes to known observations farther south. This traverse was a great success and is well documented in a book by the leader Robert Thomson, "The Coldest Place on Earth". Timeline
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