We visited a Ukrainian Research Station yesterday which is populated by 12 persons, 7 of which are scientists and 5 support staff (cook, doctor, engineer, mechanic, electrician, etc.). They actually have a sauna which they kindly let us use, so we jumped at the opportunity to warm up after enduring freezing temperatures for weeks, both on board as well as in our high camps.

After the sauna and a hot shower we were led to the bar and offered tea or coffee, but there were surprisingly (or not) no alcoholic beverages available, so we returned to the boat to retrieve our remaining supply of beer and spirits. Shortly thereafter we were joined by the crew of the yacht Icebird, who also brought along a crate of beer, so the evening at the base developed into quite a lively party ending in the early hours of the morning.

The station members were very hospitable, offering us traditional Ukrainian snacks and it was fascinating to listen to their research activities and to exchange views on the political deadlock they face in their home country.

The picture is not of Vernadsky Station, but of a landing spot nearby.