Three's Company
Monday, 11 May 2009 11:47
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Now that the end is in sight (it’s expected the Ice Team will be lifted off the ice later this week), the three, independent of the others, has been reflecting and commenting on how one of the many truly positive aspects of the expedition is the way in which they’ve worked so well together.
“We’re quite diverse characters, but three is definitely not a crowd” says navigator Ann Daniels. “Being the only woman I’m conscious that I’m not as physically strong as the boys, but we’re able to support each other’s weaknesses and gain from each other’s strengths”.
Daniels divides the key areas of mutual support into three categories: Physical, Emotional and Science.
“We’re always helping each other out”, she says. “Often it will take all three of us to lift and drag one sledge over a difficult piece of terrain, then it’s back for the next one. My own sledge is less heavy than the others’, but I make up for dragging a lighter load in other ways. I know I can navigate very well; I wouldn’t expect the boys to get up at 5am to make breakfast; I was chief nurse when Martin’s frostbite was at its worst”.
Photographer Martin Hartley spent the first few weeks of the expedition in agony with severe frostbite in his toe. In part due to Ann’s carefully applied dressings, he’s now more comfortable and the toe looks healthy.
“Being in pain requires that the rest of the team offer additional emotional support”, says Daniels. “With Martin, the physical pain of the frost bite was made worse by the fact he worried about slowing us up. Pen gets upset about technology and equipment misbehaving and when I miss home, the boys help me to feel better.”
Daniels reports that group hugs are a daily occurrence, though giggles that she has to stand in the middle of the group to separate Hartley and Hadow because the latter “doesn’t like Man Hugs!”
Expedition Leader Pen Hadow takes around 75 ice and snow measurements each day and has recruited his fellow team members to assist him.
“I appointed Martin Assistant Surveyor”, he laughs. “And Ann calls herself the Officer Junior. Ann’s humble position is no reflection on her measuring ability or willingness to participate. It’s just that much of the science is carried out once we’ve set up camp when her workload is at its most demanding.
Daniels is keen to emphasise her role, however.
“I help weigh the snow and I record the results”, she says. “And I make the hot chocolate when they stop for a break!”.
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