May 18, 2011

Thursday, 18 May 1911

Amundsen

A plan of the hut and tunnels at Framheim. [1]

Work on the tunnels in the snowdrift was nearly complete. Surrounding the hut were now a carpenter's shop, petroleum stores as well as coal and wood, storage for the reindeer clothing and a small room for Wisting's sewing machine, an astronomical observatory, and a storage and work-room -- dubbed "The Crystal Palace" -- for the skis and sledging cases, as well as amenities such as a laundry, a sauna, and a W.C. "quite American as far as hygiene is concerned," Amundsen noted. "Admittedly we don't have water, but instead we have the dogs [who] in a quick and efficient manner remove the night soil." [2]


Notes:

[1] Roald Amundsen Bildearkiv, Nasjonalbiblioteket.
[2] Roald Amundsen, diary, 19 May 1911, quoted by Roland Huntford in Scott and Amundsen (New York : Putnam, 1980, c1979), p.381.

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