If you want to know about human life in Antarctica, you will be disappointed. That way Antarctica is like an alien planet. Here in the name of humans we have just two categories. First category belongs to researchers in scientific stations of different countries. Second category belongs to travelers on expedition. Occupants of research stations live within their facilities in Antarctica. And travelers stay in their ship as there is no hotel or any other facility to stay anywhere in Antarctica. Even while staying in ship, travelers have to follow Antarctic guidelines, like me and my fellow group members did during my expedition.
I was on my exploratory spree in Antarctica. So along with penguins and scenic beauty, now it was time to visit a research station in Antarctica. My zodiac headed for the research base of Argentina. Base Brown is the research station of Argentina in Antarctica. As zodiac touched research base and everyone stepped out of zodiac, crew member told all to keep wearing safety vests. Because in this case landing point and surrounding area were tricky, so the safety precaution. During earlier landings, once ashore out of zodiac, all occupants of zodiac were asked to take off their safety vests.
A glance around and I noticed satellite towers, light house and few structures in different directions. Currently, Brown station is operational in summer only. Though I visited in Antarctic summer month of December, but at the time of my visit, Base Brown was not operational, yet. Still it was a great feel being at the research station where many scientific studies had been conducted. Areas of research in Brown station included mainly seismology, geology, ecology, biology, glacial and ozone impacts in Antarctica.
Base Brown research facility was named after Admiral William Brown of Argentina. In year 1951 Argentina established Brown Navy detachment in Paradise harbour. Later converted it into scientific research base.
Brown station is nestled amongst picturesque settings of Paradise harbour. And for me there was again a scenic hike, my choicest activity in Antarctica. There were two options available, either one could go for kayaking or opt for hike to the glacial highest peak above Brown station. I chose second option and hiked to mountain peak. The views from top were magical. I couldn’t stop clicking. Research base, kayaks, satellite towers and ship appeared miniature architectural models placed in dramatic settings.
And Penguins, of course, lots of them. Every place in Antarctica is adorned with penguins. And Base Brown was no exception.
After a thrilling hike, now it was time for zodiac cruise and the mesmerizing views…
MY ANTARCTICA ODYSSEY continues ….
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