The Aurora Australis over the South Pole. Photo by Keith Vanderlinde / National Science Foundation. [1]The aurora, Amundsen wrote, stretched "in mighty curtains .... It was a lovely sight. It was as if in its light and power it wanted to fight a battle with the dawn over who would be first. In giant folds it thrust forwards, withdrew again and once more forced itself forwards -- shining in bright green, yellow & red. But, although its attack was violent, it had to give way to the dawn that slowly but surely was working its way up." [2]
"Sun, oh Sun, Thou art on the way back to us again, and a boundless welcome shalt Thou have. He first learns to treasure Thy blessed powers who once has been deprived of them. Life Thou givest; health and wellbeing."
The first part of the winter "has passed in a flash. Time has fled, but the memories are made .... [It] may seem odd but ... it is certain that not one of us have any doubts that we shall get through. There are no 'buts' to be heard. The matter seems decided. And so it ought to be. A lot will have to come in our way to deprive us from our goal. May the Almighty God be with us!" [3]
Notes:
[1] National Science Foundation, Office of Polar Programs.
[2] Roald Amundsen, diary, 3 July, 1911, quoted by Roland Huntford in Scott and Amundsen (New York : Putnam, 1980, c1979), p.381.
[3] Roald Amundsen, diary, 3 July, 1911, quoted by Roland Huntford in Scott and Amundsen (New York : Putnam, 1980, c1979), p.391.
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