Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Textbook Water Management in New Zealand S Canterbury Region A Sustainability Framework 1St Edition Bryan R Jenkins Auth Ebook All Chapter PDF
Textbook Water Management in New Zealand S Canterbury Region A Sustainability Framework 1St Edition Bryan R Jenkins Auth Ebook All Chapter PDF
https://textbookfull.com/product/new-environmentalism-managing-
new-zealand-s-environmental-diversity-1st-edition-chris-r-de-
freitas/
https://textbookfull.com/product/nz-frenzy-north-island-new-
zealand-scott-r-cook/
https://textbookfull.com/product/nz-frenzy-south-island-new-
zealand-scott-r-cook/
https://textbookfull.com/product/water-resources-management-of-
the-people-s-republic-of-china-framework-reform-and-
implementation-dajun-shen/
Decolonising Blue Spaces In The Anthropocene:
Freshwater Management In Aotearoa New Zealand Meg
Parsons
https://textbookfull.com/product/decolonising-blue-spaces-in-the-
anthropocene-freshwater-management-in-aotearoa-new-zealand-meg-
parsons/
https://textbookfull.com/product/water-resources-management-in-
central-asia-igor-s-zonn/
https://textbookfull.com/product/women-s-entrepreneurship-in-
former-yugoslavia-historical-framework-ecosystem-and-future-
perspectives-for-the-region-ramo-palalic/
https://textbookfull.com/product/water-energy-food-
sustainability-in-the-middle-east-the-sustainability-
triangle-1st-edition-sohail-murad/
https://textbookfull.com/product/hiking-tramping-in-new-
zealand-8th-edition-lonely-planet/
Global Issues in Water Policy 19
Bryan R. Jenkins
Water
Management in
New Zealand’s
Canterbury Region
A Sustainability Framework
Global Issues in Water Policy
Volume 19
Editor-in-chief
Ariel Dinar, Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California,
Riverside, California, USA
Series editors
José Albiac-Murillo, Zaragoza, Spain
Stefano Farolfi, CIRAD UMR G-EAU, Montpellier, France
Rathinasamy Maria Saleth, Chennai, India
Guillermo Donoso, Department of Agricultural Economics, Pontificia Universidad
Católica de Chile, Macul, Chile
More information about this series at http://www.springer.com/series/8877
Bryan R. Jenkins
The first motivation for this book was to document the development and implemen-
tation to date of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy. Reliance on the pro-
cesses of the legislative framework under New Zealand’s Resource Management
Act (RMA) was found to be an inadequate basis for sustainable water resource
management in the Canterbury region. The RMA was designed when water was a
relatively abundant resource. However, the expansion of irrigation in Canterbury,
primarily associated with conversions to dairying, led to sustainability limits being
reached for water availability and for cumulative effects on water quality. A new
paradigm for water management was needed. A sustainability framework based on
nested adaptive systems and collaborative governance underpins this new
paradigm.
The second motivation for this book was to document the sustainability frame-
work used in Canterbury. Other regions in New Zealand are experiencing pressures
on their water resources. Other parts of the world are also experiencing pressures on
their water resources. Water globally is an economic and environmental issue. Water
crises have been in the top three of global risks in the last five annual Global Risks
Reports of the World Economic Forum. Global freshwater nutrient loads are consid-
ered to be beyond the safe operating space for the planet. Global freshwater use is
considered to have limited safe operating space remaining which is already largely
committed to cover the expected water demands for food production to meet pro-
jected population increases. There is a need for a sustainability framework, like the
one in this book, that links socio-economic systems with natural resource systems
at multiple spatial and time scales.
Dr Jenkins has recently retired from the position of Professor, Strategic Water Management at the
University of Canterbury and Lincoln University in Christchurch, New Zealand. Prior to that he
was chief executive of the Canterbury Regional Council and was responsible for introducing
collaborative governance to water management in Canterbury
vii
viii Preface
The third motivation was to reflect on the Canterbury experience. There has cer-
tainly been a paradigm shift in water management in the Canterbury region.
However, sustainability analysis in the book demonstrates that there is still more to
be done to achieve sustainable management. The book provides insights to the fur-
ther changes needed.
ix
x Acknowledgements
e xposition of the concepts. I would particularly like to thank Vicky Southworth who
reviewed a draft of the book and provided many helpful comments.
Thanks also go to Ariel Dinar, the series editor, and Fritz Schmuhl, my Springer
editor.
I wish to thank Ruth Spearing and the staff at Christchurch Hospital for their
medical treatment that enabled me to recover from a debilitating blood cancer.
Special thanks are due to my wife Janet whose support not only throughout the
writing of the book but also through earthquakes, repairs to a damaged house, medi-
cal treatments and everything else in life made it possible to complete the book.
Contents
1 Introduction���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 1
1.1 Context���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 1
1.2 Scope of the Book���������������������������������������������������������������������������� 2
1.2.1 Part I: Institutional and Theoretical Framework ������������������ 4
1.2.2 Part II: Failure Pathway Analysis������������������������������������������ 7
1.2.3 Part III: Sustainability Methods�������������������������������������������� 12
1.2.4 Part IV: Implications for Water Management ���������������������� 15
References�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 18
xi
xii Contents
Glossary������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 513
Index������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 519
List of Figures
xix
xx List of Figures
Fig. 11.12 Adaptive cycle for salinity effects on fish ecology�������������������������� 371
Fig. 11.13 Links of biophysical and socio-economic systems for Aral Sea
at multiple spatial scales������������������������������������������������������������������ 372
Fig. 12.1 The strategic choice process (Adapted from Friend
and Hickling 2005)�������������������������������������������������������������������������� 394
Fig. 12.2 Alpine storage decision scheme (Environment Canterbury)����������� 398
Fig. 13.1 Bacterial contamination at Chamberlains Ford and Coes
Ford on the Selwyn River (Robinson and Stevenson 2012)������������ 444
Fig. 13.2 Managing to limits allowing for natural variability
and uncertainty��������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 454
Fig. 13.3 Nested adaptive cycles for algal blooms in rivers���������������������������� 457
Fig. 14.1 Planning and project authorisation framework�������������������������������� 489
Fig. 14.2 Comparison of current process and proposed
process incorporating strategic assessment�������������������������������������� 490
Fig. 14.3 Cost of mitigation measures to achieve nitrate reductions�������������� 498
List of Tables
xxv
xxvi List of Tables
Boxes provide case studies that show either (a) specific Canterbury examples to illustrate a
sustainability issue in more detail (Boxes 2.1, 3.1, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 8.2, 9.1, 9.2, 12.1 and 13.1);
(b) international examples that give additional insight to the application of the sustainability
framework to water issues (Boxes 7.2, 8.1, 9.3, 10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 11.1 and 14.1); and
(c) examples of management interventions adopted in other countries that could be applied in
Canterbury (Boxes 7.1, 12.2 and 14.2).
xxix
Another random document with
no related content on Scribd:
of the meteorological conditions, while I quickly “took the sun,” which
showed that we were about 87° 50′ north.
It appeared to us that the plane lay safe and sound and
Ellsworth and I decided to walk across to N 25. We expected that by
walking along by the water-lane we would be able to cover the
distance in one and a half hours, and for safety’s sake took the
canvas boat along with us. We did not bother about provisions or
anything else. Before we started we hoisted our brave Norwegian
flag on the top of the iceberg.
Ellsworth and I set out most confidently, but reaped our first bitter
experience of marching on the polar ice. It looked difficult to get
along, but it proved to be still more so. We climbed up and down
icebergs, carrying our canvas boat, of which we had to take the
utmost care so that no sharp piece of ice should tear a hole in it.
Soon we had to use the boat as a bridge in order to cross a small
crack filled up with broken ice and mush—or as an aid to fighting our
way through thin new ice in somewhat broader ditches. At last we
got full use of the boat in a broad water-lane, where we paddled
along a good distance. Now and again we got sight of N 25 above
the icebergs as we approached. Suddenly we saw the propeller
moving. We were therefore certain that the crew and also the plane
were “all right,” and as the new ice was completely blocking our
course, we decided to return to N 24. With the same toil (and after
we had tumbled into the water several times) we returned tired and
fagged out.
Omdal awaited us with steaming chocolate and it tasted
excellent. Whilst we had been away he had discovered that several
exhaust pipes of the aft engine had become clogged, so they had to
be exchanged for spares. He expected that the work would take two
or three days. Meantime the ice started to close in round the plane,
which we therefore decided to turn round with the nose pointed out
of the water-lane so that, if necessary, we could leave by only using
the “fore” engine.
It was easier said than done because, first of all, the ice had to
be broken round about the flying machine, and more than once we
got thoroughly drenched. But after three hours’ work the plane was
in the desired position. The question now was whether the crew of
N 25 had seen us. We presumed they had seen our flag, but of
course this was not certain. If everything was in good order, they
would start off to join us as soon as they had been able to take
careful observations. Anyway we were sure that they would see us
when they started out, and so we climbed a little higher than we
already were. We had nothing else to do but to put our engines in
order as quickly as possible, to be ready at the earliest moment. We
therefore put our tent up “on the land” of the ice-plain, and took the
necessary mess requisites and sleeping bags with us. In addition we
also armed ourselves with a gun and revolver, in case we should be
surprised by a polar bear. A seal we had already seen, and a bear
might also be lurking about. Omdal was to work solely on the motor,
helped if necessary by Ellsworth and myself, whilst we had to do the
cooking, take observations, keep a lookout and now and again pump
the boat free of water. The leakage proved to be less than I
expected, but still large enough to make us prefer to stick to our tent.
This was quite small and light, made of thin aeroplane cloth. The
bottom was of the same material. It was quite snug and warm when
the Primus stove was lit, but when the snow underneath started to
melt, on account of the heat in the tent, it got damp on the floor. We
were of course entirely cut off from wood, leaves or branches of
trees.
At midday—still on the 22nd—the sky got overcast and we could
no longer see N 25. With our lack of experience in the ice regions
Ellsworth and I had the impression that we were quite safe where we
were. Omdal, who had some experience from his sojourn in Alaska,
was not quite so calm about it, but thought that the new ice where
we lay would in any case act as a protection against possible drift
ice.
In the afternoon the weather cleared again for about an hour and
it seemed to us that we could see the top of N 25 again. Later the
sky was overcast with threatening snow squalls. It was clear that the
ice was constantly on the move. Meantime the water-lane was so
broad that we were not afraid of it closing in. What concerned us
most was the uncertainty about N 25 and its crew. We reasoned out
and imagined every possible theory. If everything was all right, they
would of course fly down to join us in this place, where they could
land without difficulty. If the machine had been hopelessly damaged,
they would come on foot over the ice to us. We ruminated thus,
because it seemed to us that they must have seen our flag, and, as
meantime we saw nothing of them, we presumed that they had some
necessary repairs to effect.
The whole night, until the morning of the 23rd of May, we had
snow—with bad visibility. Omdal worked at the motors while
Ellsworth and I pumped. The leakage appeared to be getting
gradually worse. We had a northerly breeze and about -10° c.
At midday the weather cleared and the sun shone out from a
clear sky. In the course of the day I was able to make two good
observations, although the spirit level which Ellsworth had brought
with him was too small and besides was of a very unsuitable
construction. I had already pointed this out at Spitzbergen, but there
was no opportunity of getting a new one. I must admit that I was
disappointed with the result of our observations. I had believed that
we were considerably nearer the Pole. The others thought the same.
Judging by the flying and our speed through the air, we must have
had a very strong wind current against us. At that time, however, we
did not doubt that we could continue northwards as soon as the
motors were in working order again.
At midday we saw N 25 again. It had drifted nearer to us, and we
noticed that tarpaulins had been put over the motor-gondolas and
that the flag was flying over it. If only the weather would remain clear
now, they ought to be able to see us. We tried several times to
attract their attention by using smoke-bombs, and now and again we
fired a gun.
The part of the water-lane where we were encamped froze up
more and more, a condition which rather pleased us as we expected
that we would soon be able to make a start from the ice.
In the afternoon we at last noticed that N 25 must have observed
us because we noticed a flag being waved backwards and forwards.
This was the customary sign used in the Navy for starting flag-
signaling. I was not slow in taking up the challenge, and soon a
connection was established. The distance was so long that we had
to use glasses, and as these had to be dried continuously the
signaling took some time. At last we got the following message: “We
are frozen in twenty meters from the water-lane—working in order to
get free. If your position hopeless come to us, bring food, axes,
deflection instruments, engine O.K.” We replied: “Expect we can
start on the ice from here, but are leaking badly, therefore longer
sojourn on the water impossible.”
I think few can imagine what relief it was to us to have
established signal-communication with each other. I immediately
gave a grateful thought to Riiser-Larsen and to my naval education.
The whole night, until the morning of the 24th of May, we had a
fresh breeze with drifting snow, the temperature being -11° to -12°. It
was bitterly cold in the tent and the wind was blowing right through it.
The sleeping-bags were very excellent, but really only meant for
summer use. We had the “Thermix” heating apparatus with us. It
was really extraordinarily good, but, as we had hardly any petrol to
spare, we did without the comfort of a heated tent. On our flight
northwards we had been exceedingly economical regarding the
consumption of petrol, and we therefore still had half a drum more
than half our original quantity. But one could not tell how much might
be required for our return journey.
In the course of the day (24th of May) the whole fjord was frozen
over. The leakage in the boat got continually worse, and thus we
were quite pleased to see the ice freezing round our machine as it
would form a resting place for the wings, and would prevent the
machine sinking further, even if we should stop pumping-work, which
took up much time and prevented us from performing other
necessary tasks.
During the course of the afternoon Omdal finished changing the
exhaust ventilators, and we thought that the motors were now all
ready. The fact that they would not start in the severe cold, and
especially in the strong wind which hindered the warming of the
motors, did not concern us greatly. Spring was on the way, and the
temperature would soon rise.
The movements of the ice, however, disturbed us very much. We
had the feeling that the icebergs on the other side of the water-lane
had come somewhat nearer, and the whole “landscape” seemed to
change from time to time. In order to be on the safe side we decided
to put all our provisions and outfit ashore. We started this
immediately, and in the course of the forenoon everything was on the
ice-plain near the tent.
Gradually the ice began to encroach more and more. To our joy
we noticed that the two machines got nearer together, and we
decided to try and get into communication with N 25. We were
anxious to find out their position in order to discuss things with our
leader, the only one with experience of drift ice, and the only one
who could judge the situation.
On account of the uncertain conditions we did not want to leave
more of our equipment behind than was absolutely necessary. We
tried first of all to put our canvas boat (loaded with provisions, etc.)
on the ski-sledge. This was the course we should have to adopt if for
one reason or another we had to march southwards. After a few
hundred meters of toil, fighting our way amongst the icebergs, we
realized that it would be quite impossible to get along in a
reasonable time, handicapped by this outfit, so we therefore took
only the most necessary things in our knapsacks. All the same it
amounted to forty kg. each, and with this on our backs we started off
on our skis. We toiled forward over high icebergs and ice-clumps,
and crossed the most fantastic and uneven territory, where skis of
course could not be used. Therefore we carried them again, and
jumped over the water-lanes or crossed the new ice which moved
under our weight. This was very exciting and tiring and I admired the
progress made by Ellsworth, who is not a skiing man. (In addition to
his many excellent qualities he is also a true sportsman.) Omdal’s
Alaskan experiences also came in handy. He was very clever in
finding the easiest and safest passages, and we progressed without
accident. N 25 was getting nearer and nearer with every minute’s
march. After we had traveled about half the distance a long water-
lane covered with very thin new ice stopped our progress. It was
right across our path, about a quarter of a mile broad, and reached
as far as the eye could see. On the other side lay N 25. We were so
near that Riiser-Larsen and I could signal to each other without
difficulty and without using glasses. We received word that they
considered it impossible for us to get across, and we had nothing
else to do but to go back the way we had come. Before leaving we
arranged that we should signal to each other the next day at ten
o’clock Greenwich mean time.
After seven hours’ toil we were back again at N 24. It was lying
just as we had left it and all three of us went to “bed.” It was bitterly
cold, but we got the first decent sleep since we had left Spitzbergen.
We had gradually got more accustomed to the use of sleeping-bags;
it required a good deal of practice to get down into them with the
thick clothes we had to wear, for while sleeping we had to be clad in
as many clothes as possible.
The 25th of May dawned with the same hopeless overcast sky
as before. Now and again we had heavy snowdrifts. The
temperature was about -10° c. After having tried in vain to start the
aft motor, Omdal worked some time at the engine, but still it would
not start. At 10 a.m. they signaled from N 25 that it appeared as if we
could now manage to get to them if laden only with small packages
and taking extreme care. We replied that we first wanted to try our
engines and endeavor to get N 24 on to the ice-plain beside the tent,
where it would be quite safe under any circumstances. We therefore
started to prepare a slide over which we could push the machine.
Whilst busy with this we received a further communication from N 25
that they required help as soon as we were ready to give it. We
replied that we now expected an early result, and that we then would
cross at the first opportunity in order to help them.
Meantime the aft engine was out of order and remained so.
Compression was poor and Omdal poured buckets of warm oil on
the valves, lighting all the Thermix apparatus and setting them in the
motor gondola in the hope that the engine might start. The water-
lane where we had landed was now nearly closed, and the icebergs
on the other side were encroaching nearer so that the situation was
not particularly bright. Until now we had lived only for lunch and
dinner, eating the traveling provisions which Director Knutsen had
given us and taking a cup of chocolate as well. For dinner we had a
cup of pemmican soup, but instead of using one and three-quarter
tablets per man, which was the original calculated ration, we only
used two tablets altogether. In order to be on the safe side we
started rationing the biscuits by allowing each man six biscuits
served in threes, twice a day, although none of us expected then that
we should remain here for weeks.
After a hard day’s work we sat again in the tent enjoying a pipe
of tobacco after our evening meal, when I started to blink as my eyes
suddenly began to smart. At first I thought it was the smoke, but the
smarting did not stop; it got worse and worse. Tears flowed slowly
and scaldingly. There could be no doubt about it. I had become
snow-blind. It had come on me without any warning. We had had an
overcast sky and snow most of the time, but it had never dawned on
me to use snow-glasses. It seemed therefore that I would have to lie
like a wreck for a few days, and I admit it now seemed to me that the
situation was fairly precarious. I did the only things possible, namely,
to get into my sleeping-bag and shut my eyes. Notwithstanding the
pain and the trepidation, nature craved its right after the last day’s
toil and mental strain, and I slept soundly. Late in the forenoon the
following day I wakened somewhat confused in my head. To my
great joy I could open my eyes. I noticed that it was twelve o’clock,
but whether day or night I did not know. The other two slept, but as
Ellsworth awakened at that moment, I learned that it must be
midday, as he had crept into his sleeping-bag about 11 P.M. and had
slept a long time. My eyes pained a little, but I could see all right, and
I put on my spectacles immediately. We had a quiet meal and then
arose the question of how to start the engine. We worked and
worked, but there was no result. Probably it had been so warm that
the valves must have got jammed, and it would take Omdal a week
to take the cylinders off and put things right. After this discovery
there was only one thing to do. We must secure the machine in the
best possible way and try to get across to N 25. We presumed that
with united efforts, we could have it ready for flight in the course of a
few days, and then Feucht could remain with Omdal and help him to
get the aft motor going.
AMUNDSEN—BEFORE THE
TRIP
AMUNDSEN—AFTER
ELLSWORTH—BEFORE
ELLSWORTH—AFTER
We started the first motor, therefore, and with the help of this got
the machine as far as possible up the slip. Ellsworth and Omdal
worked like heroes in order to turn the machine, whilst I worked the
engine. But what could three men do with such a heavy machine?
We got it well up onto the ice-floe so that only the after-end and part
of the propeller remained in the water-lane. It could not sink now in
any case, and the new ice outside would in all probability prevent the
drift-ice from getting near it while we were away. We considered
under the circumstances that it was lying in as safe a position as
possible, and we got ready to go across to N 25. The ice in the
water-lane did not look very safe and N 25 had drifted somewhat
nearer. We lightened our packs, but they still weighed forty kg. It was
impossible to know beforehand how long the trip would take us. First
there was one thing and then another which we thought we ought to
have with us. Off we went right across the water-lane, although it
presented such an uncanny appearance. Omdal led. I followed, and
then came Ellsworth. As soon as we had to leave the new ice, it was
a case of climbing up and down high icebergs, where in addition to
other things we had to carry our skis. We remained as near as
possible to the edge of the water-lane, and everything went well until
we were near the other machine. We were already going to start
boasting, as we had no idea of any danger, when I suddenly found
myself immersed in water up to my neck. I noticed that my skis had
disappeared, but my knapsack, which weighed forty kg., was very
embarrassing. I shouted loudly as soon as I fell through, and Omdal
quickly turned round. I had hardly seen his face when he also
disappeared like magic. There we both were. I managed to get my
gun up over the ice, which had broken several times under my
hands. I got a good firm hold and remained as quiet as possible
because I knew that Ellsworth would soon be with me—unless he
also tumbled in. The current was strong and pulled my legs up in
front of me under the ice so that my boot-tops actually touched it. To
get out by my own efforts with the heavy knapsack was hopeless. I
was not going to risk losing my knapsack, before I knew how it stood
with Ellsworth. Omdal called for assistance in the hope that the crew
of N 25 would come and help. In a little while Ellsworth, who had
saved himself by getting out of the water-lane, came to my rescue.
He came creeping along, and handed me a ski, which I got hold of,
and by its help I wriggled along to the edge of the firm ice. In a
second I managed to slip off my knapsack and its precious contents,
and got it onto the ice, and I scrambled up after it with Ellsworth’s
help. Then Ellsworth dashed off to Omdal, who was getting weaker
and weaker. I stumbled to my legs and ran as quickly as my tired
condition allowed me. Omdal was so exhausted that it was
exceedingly difficult to get him out. I got my knife and cut the straps
of his knapsack, whilst Ellsworth held him up, and with our joint
efforts we at last got him safely onto the land. He could not stand on
his legs. We had both had a narrow escape, and we have to thank
Ellsworth’s self-possession and quickness that we escaped with our
lives. The honor which he received later—the gold medal for bravery
—pleased Omdal and myself as much as it pleased him. It was well
earned.
RIISER-LARSEN—BEFORE
RIISER-LARSEN—AFTER
DIETRICHSON—BEFORE
DIETRICHSON—AFTER
Our foresight in unstrapping the laces of the skis and putting our
boots loosely into the ski-shoes, putting on our air-filled lifebelts was
what made it possible to save us at all. How we blessed this, our
own farsightedness! By way of curiosity I may mention that Riiser-
Larsen and I bought the lifebelts in Bodö just as we were on the
point of starting. A man came on board and announced himself as
the manufacturer of the lifebelt “Tethys.” He brought a sample which
appealed to us, and so we ordered six belts. It is strange how life is
full of chance actions which lead to fateful results.
About forty minutes after the accident we reached the N 24. We
received a hearty reception, and as Omdal and I got a good drop of
spirit and some dry clothes, we soon started talking. Answers to
innumerable questions tripped off our tongues. I can well remember
that I said, “I am glad to see you again,” when I pressed Roald
Amundsen’s hand. It is a saying which generally does not mean
much, but I believe Amundsen understood. These few words, and
still more the handshake, were an expression of joy at being again
with our beloved leader, whose insight, experience and great
capability, in conjunction with his untiring energy, overcame all
difficulties. I have the impression that Amundsen’s few words to me,
“same here” (“i like maate”), were just as sincere. All three of us from
N 24 had arrived with a whole skin, and we could report that the
machine in the meantime at least was safe, and, with our combined
efforts, could be got ready to start in a few days’ time.
N 25’s position was such that only our united strength could save
it from its precarious situation. It had made a forced landing and was
lying worse than N 24, but both its motors were in working order. If
the machines had by chance separated instead of coming close
together we would probably not have been able to get into contact
with one another and one crew, unless reënforced by the other,
could hardly have managed to start its machine alone.
Even now, although we were six men all told, it seemed to us
something of a riddle how we, with our primitive implements, should
manage to get the machine onto the great ice-plain, which was our
goal. But in this difficulty our leader’s wide experience and inventive
mind was put to its full use. It became apparent that if six men are
working on a matter of life and death they can accomplish the
unbelievable. Most of us soon knew that our only salvation lay in
getting one or both machines in a good position to start. A march
southwards would (no matter which way we chose) have very little
chance of success.
Our work and our mode of life in the weeks which followed are
described in another chapter, so I shall only add that we were
disappointed in our hopes of being able to get N 24 ready as soon as
we had finished with N 25. Instead we had weeks of strenuous work
to get N 25 into readiness for flight. It was absolutely a game of “cat
and mouse,” but it was a game in which life and death were the
stakes.
The thought of leaving our machine there behind us, in the ice,
was very bitter at first. But as time passed and we saw the difficulties
we had to contend with on every side, the bitterness gradually got
less and less—especially when we found that it would be necessary
to use N 24’s supply of petrol to augment the other supply for the
homeward flight and for the various attempts to start which had to be
made before N 25 finally got clear away.
I might mention too that the absence of landing places made it
seem advisable for the return journey to be accomplished with one
machine. The risk of having to make a forced landing would thus
only be half as great, and the forced landing of one of the machines
would have meant a catastrophe for the whole expedition. (I
personally did not share this opinion, for in spite of the misfortune to
the aft engines my trust in both of these was great, as they had gone
like clockwork during the entire northward flight.) Circumstances
however settled the question of choice, and as we at last, on the
15th of June, found ourselves in our right element again, it was only
a passing thought which we gave to our dear N 24 as it disappeared
behind us in the fog.
Part V
WHILST WE WAIT
Later
We remained standing as though suddenly realizing the
difference in the work of those six on board the machines and
ourselves. Till now we have all appeared to be actual members of
the expedition. We have felt that there was no great difference in our
desires to reach a common goal. We have lived under the same
roof, fed in the same mess, have shared the same work, but now the
others have gone, and we have become the land party again! The
six ought to return after a few days’ absence and we should again be
part of the expedition. But the few hours which have passed since
5:15 this afternoon have opened a tremendous gulf between us. The
six may now be fighting for their very lives, while we hang around
here exactly as we did yesterday, the day before, and every other
day in the six weeks we have been in Ny-Aalesund. We have
suddenly become superfluous! Until this afternoon we had tasks to
perform, but from now we can only wait, just like all the rest of the
world, for the six who have gone—and we know that we can give
them no more help than any one else can. We have become
passive.
The humming of the motors can still be heard in our dreams; in
fact the whole occurrence appears only as a dream. Could it have
really been we who saw them off? We, who are now packing up and
getting ready to go on board the “Fram” and the “Hobby,” which lie
ready by the quay to set off northwards to Danskeöen. The
landscape is unchanged. The sun still shines high in the light blue
polar sky, making the glacier scintillate with lovely colors. But the six
have gone! At the end of the fjord’s north side lies Cape Mitra—that
pointed corner which is one of the best landmarks in the world.
During the evening meal on board the “Fram” we talk of nothing
but the start. We listen with pride to Schulte-Frohlinde’s praise
regarding the pilots’ management of the two heavy machines. He
says no one could have done it better, and we agree with him
unanimously, although we don’t know the difference between a
sporting and a bombarding machine. He has walked across the ice
and examined the trails, and noted that the ice was broken into small
pieces at the spot where Dietrichson stuck, and the same was the
case in a 200–300 meter length along Riiser-Larsen’s track before
he had been able to rise. The starting track was about 1,400 meters
long, and Schulte-Frohlinde says that the trail gets less and less until
towards its end it might only have been marked in the snow with
one’s little finger.
For the first two hours after the machines had disappeared we
scanned the heavens with our binoculars as, before starting,
Amundsen had told Captain Hagerup of the “Fram” that if everything
should not be in order, the machines would return again; and if one
machine had had to make a forced landing, the other would fly back
to King’s Bay and warn the ships to go quickly to their aid. It is seven
o’clock. It is now eight, and no machine is to be seen, so now we
know that all is well. Eleven o’clock, and “Fram’s” bunkers are well
filled; the ship leaves the quay. Half an hour later, when “Hobby” is
ready, we steer out of the fjord. We pass Cape Mitra, steering past
the seven glaciers. So far as we can see northwards, it appears to
be clear. The sea lies calm as a mirror. There is hardly any swell,
and for the first time in the open sea we are all at the same moment
free from seasickness. Westward above the horizon lies a low
cloudbank. We ask Bjerknes and Calwagen what it can be; can this
gray cloud-mass threaten danger to the airmen? No! It can’t do that,
for it is only the dispersing fog which has hung over King’s Bay
during the last days, and which was blown away by the northeast
wind, making a start possible. During the night we passed drift-ice.
We all stand on the bridge looking northwards every second.
Here we pass along the Coast over which the two machines flew
this afternoon.
“The small hours begin to grow.” We bless the “Fram’s” steward,
who brings us coffee, and we go to our bunks. “Fram” is no
passenger boat, but we are quite happy to sleep wherever we can
find a comfortable spot.