| Given
that, according to the mathematical model of Hubert Gallée,
the winds are more favourable between 10.00 pm and 6.00 am,
it is possible that the progress made by the two Belgians
will be at night rather than in the day.
Nevertheless this is the programme for a typical day on
the Antarctic ice-cap. A night march is planned here:
|
| Get up at 10.00 pm. |
 |
First task: get the heating running in order to have hot
water. |
|
Next, dress, pack belongings in the tent, prepare breakfast.
|
|
Continue to heat the water to fill the thermos for the day
(despite extreme temperatures, tea should stay hot for 24
hours). |
|
First exit from the tent; load the sledge, dismantle the
tent, check nothing has been forgotten. |
| 1 1/2 hours after getting up, departure. |
| Progression across the ice-cap. |
|
Stop for 5 minutes every 50 minutes. |
|
No lunch, eat solids and liquids during the breaks. |
|
Adapt speed according to the requirements for making progress
and the demands of the scientific programme. |
| Stop at the end of the day. |
|
A stop will only be made after a minimum of 10 hours en
route. |
|
It is certain that the time taken for daily progress depends
on the more or less efficient usage of the parafoils; if,
for example, the wind is particularly good, an attempt will
be made to take maximum advantage of conditions to go as far
as possible. |
|
It is not impossible that on certain days, they succeed
in travelling for longer than 10 hours. |
| In the evening ... |
|
Erect the tent taking care to direct the opening away from
prevailing winds. |
|
Place all belongings inside required for the night. |
|
Make up the snow stocks. |
|
Carry out the tasks relevant to the scientific assignments
(observation of the ice, boring of the mines, ice samples,
etc). |
|
Get into the tent with the intention of not going out again.
|
|
Thoroughly warm up. |
|
Prepare food. |
|
Any repairs to equipment. |
|
Relaxation session, toning up, writing, contact with HQ
in Belgium, the actions and deeds of the day. |
|
Music, reading, dreams... |
|
7 hours' sleep |
