Antarctic Ghost Towns

[Houndoc]

We visited a number of sites that from roughly post WWII to early 1960s were bases for mapping and exploring the Antarctic Peninsula. Before the Antarctic Treaty was signed in 1959 there we also attempts at territorial claims. Those are all now considered invalid and no nation has claim over any part of the continent that is recognized by other nations.

Other than one island that has both a US and British base, all the sites we visited were British. In the photo showing two sets of buildings, the US base is in the distance.

In several cases, those manning the bases where quickly evacuated at the onset of winter (24 hour notice for the crew) and never reopened, so food, gear, tools etc are pretty much as they were left 60-65 years ago.

 

[Houndoc]

 

[johngottfredson]

Wow. I never realized there was more to see down there than ice and penguins and whales. So cool!!

 

[Houndoc]

Port Lockroy once served as an anchorage/shelter for whaling ships (the chains are from that era) and currently hosts a small gift shop, museum and post office. It is staffed by the British Antarctic Heritage Trust that maintains the sites in the area from November to March.

 

[Houndoc]

 

[Stephen]

That's really cool.

 

[Herzog]

Incredible! Thanks for sharing all of this

 

[spaggyroe]

Agreed! These are awesome pics!

 

[ID Bronco]

what were the temperatures on the trip?

 

[Stephen]

what were the temperatures on the trip?

Temperatures look to have been in the "waters great, come on in!" zone! 😂

 

[Houndoc]

what were the temperatures on the trip?

Highs low 30s, mid teens overnight the night we camped on shore.
Pretty typical late summer weather I understand.

 

[Kevin B.]

Pretty typical late summer weather, the man says.

 

[ChestonScout]

Now I have new life goals.

That looks outstanding!!

 

[Coco]

Freaking awesome photos! Love ghost towns, and tying in with the nautical stuff, even cooler!

 

[cruiseroutfit]

😎