Another plane arrives: a nail-biting experience

Cargo has just been rolled onto the new off-load sled and is being dragged away while the plane prepares for departure. Photo: Thomas Overly, NEEM team.

Today was the day when we received the first aeroplane in a sequence of five that brings in construction material, tools and machines. Not everything went according to plan.

It has been one of those days we don’t want too many of. For the Project it is very important that we get our skiway ready and certified by the Air National Guard. We therefore were very anxious of the flight today. For once, Nature was not with us. The wind was 45 degrees off the skiway and we saw that our grooming had not been deep enough. A wavy pattern showed up which made the plane jump up and down so much, it had difficulties taking off. It took 7 attempts and rocket start the get the plane in the air. On a more positive note, our newly refitted heavy cargo sled with rollers really worked well, or rather Sverrir made it work well. Two pallets were rolled out the rear of the aircraft, directly onto the sled. This was an important step, as we expect items this week that are so long they can only be rolled onto a sled. The flight crew told us that our new flags were too high, so Thomas and Gaël spent all afternoon cutting down the height of several hundred flags.

Right now Jim is grooming again. We have attached a drum of fuel to our groomer to provide some extra weight so that it may cut deeper into the snow.

Although the weather was not dramatic, the wind direction created enough drama in itself.

Gaël treated the crew with a good meal again. Apparently, he enjoys cooking because the preparation is accompanied by whistling and singing.

What we have done today:

1. Received Skier 73.
2. Grooming skiway with extra weight.
3. Lowering all skiway flags by 1 m.
4. Mounting of rollers and successful test of new off load sled.

Weather at 10:00L: -18.0°C, blue sky, 6 m/s from 230 M, unlimited visibility.

Field Leader, J.P. Steffensen