Text by: Karna Johansson, expedition doctor

This weekend, we moved our base camp further into Vestfjella. The nunataks are higher and stand here more densely, and the glaciers that pour over the ridges show the enormous forces that nature can muster. We continue to be incredibly lucky with the weather, which usually offers about minus ten degrees celsius and bright sunshine. With small packing for the sampling on our backs, we sometimes have to walk in only underwear to the sampling sites in order not to sweat too much.

On New Year's Eve, we play board games, put on the cleanest clothes we can find, squeeze ourselves into Andreas and Håkan's ark and eat snacks. We agreed to celebrate Swedish midnight, at 11 pm local time, mainly because, despite the cosiness factor, we are quite tired! We talk about what New Year's resolutions we should make and what traditions we have on New Year's Day. It turns out that most of us do some outdoor activity on New Year's Day. Andreas usually ice climbs, and I typically go on a top ski tour as a starting point for the coming year. Jane promises we'll get both peaks and ice.

Jane keeps her promise, and New Year's Day becomes a spectacular hike up a ridge called the Kjakebonet, an anatomical reference referring to the curvature of the mountain and the tooth-like rocks along the crest. The sampling is also going very well, and with two days to go, the researchers are already satisfied with what we have, even if there would be no more sampling.

However, before going home, we have time for a new base camp and a few more trips. The journey to Wasa is quick and easy, the ten miles being completed in about five hours, including breaks. It has been snowing and blowing just enough to make the surface much smoother than on the trip out. Perhaps the idea of ​​a hot shower and indoor standing space also appeals, but regardless, we get home to the station in good time before dinner. Tomorrow, we look forward to a well-deserved day off before getting ready for the significantly longer and more challenging field trip to come!