We will assemble the team 28-29 September 1996 in the San Francisco Bay area for training and checkout. The purpose is to develop personal relationships, become familiar with the specialized equipment, test electronics and instruments, assemble and mark antennas, rehearse procedures, and generate publicity. Arrangments have been made through the Mountain Medicine Group and the Wilderness Medicine Society to provide the team with training on harsh weather operations and safety. The equipment will be packed in crates and shipped. Island Participants will arrange their own transportation to the point of disembarkation, currently planned to be Reunion Island.
Reunion is served by air daily from Paris.
The trip from Reunion to Heard Island will take 9 days, and will provide accommodations, gear stowage, time for preparations, and extraordinary sights. There will be a short stop at Crozet on the way down, and one at Kerguelen Island on the way back. Paul during the time we are on Heard Island. It is a no-compromise vessel that can sail and work under any weather conditions in polar seas. It has the most sophisticated safety features, including polar life crafts, helicopters, and complete electronics.