The Russians are coming...

Now I don't know the details of these photos, I just found them on our shared drive down here. But they are Russian and they are doing some sort of traverse that past the South Pole.

If you recall my post from November 14, 2009 called South Pole Traverse, you will recall we do something similar. The NSF has started a a program whereby huge, really sophisticated, really really expensive tractors drag fuel bladders and other supplies to the South Pole. It is proving to be significantly more cost effective than flying everything in.

Now look below and see how the Russians traverse the continent. Again, I don't know the details, but it's quite obvious: these guys are hardcore! No million dollar tractors for them! Who needs a big red down parka, when some worn out sweaters will do the same job?! Who needs Marlboros when you can roll your own? Who needs water when you've got vodka??? These guys are fresh out of some sort of frigid Mad Max beyond Thunderdom!

It reminds me of the story of how the US space program spent millions to develop the ballpoint pen. And the Russians just used pencils instead.