Last Light in Iceberg Alley

The colour that reflects off the Antarctic Plateau at sunset is pretty much incomparable. This particular afternoon was clear, cold and still, and we almost missed the sunset in favour of a warm hut and some rest after a huge day of exploring. I'm so very glad we didn't.

There are a series of field huts around Davis Station. Over the years they've been used as bases for scientists doing field work so they don't need to return to base each night. Bandit's Hut is one of the most remote within reach of the station. During summer, it can only be reached by helicopter. When the sea ice is thick enough (and the weather is kind) during winter, you can ride quad bikes or drive a hagglund the 40 kilometers to the island.

Over years, a number of huge icebergs have become trapped between the edge of the plateau and the island that Bandit's Hut sits on. It's created a kind of labyrinth of bergs that shift and tilt, but don't blow out to sea, or move much from their position. The snow accumulates in different drifts depending on the wind, but it's such a special place to be able to explore- especially during Winter. Occasionally we'd come across juvenile emperor penguins, hundreds of kilometers from their rookeries, or seals hauling out on the ice for a rest.

This place is so special, it became one of my most favourite spots in Antarctica.