WAP has recently listed as WAP MNB-NEW, the remains of Wilson Stone Hut (Rock Hut) at 77°30’ South, 169°16’ East, at Cape Crozier, Ross Island, constructed in July 1911 by Edward Wilson’s party, of the British Antarctic Expedition (1910-13) during the winter journey to collect Emperor penguin eggs.
Cape Crozier is an ice-free area on the lower eastern slopes of Mount Terror, at the eastern extremity of Ross Island. Lichens and algal crusts are found adjacent to the stone hut site. It is a remote and isolated site with few visitors. Adelie and Emperor penguin colonies are nearby.
New Zealand and United Kingdom are the parties undertaking the management if this Historic Site and Monument (HSM) #21
The Rock Hut formed critical shelter for Wilson, Cherry-Garrard and Bowers during their winter journey from Evans to Cape Crozier. The collection of emperor eggs containing embryos was thought to be of huge significance to understanding of evolution. Testing a range of sledging diets was another goal. Enduring temperatures as low as -60C, the team came close to death but eventually returned to Cape Evans without loss of life.
Reference: APA Database | Antarctic Treaty (ats.aq)
Read more at: Cape Crozier: The Winter Journey — Sarah Airriess (twirlynoodle.com)
Inside a square of stones piled one on the other, a bank of drifted snow has been trapped, where it has compacted into ice, and has swallowed up a crate containing some historical detritus. There are at least two pieces of penguin skin, and some green fabric, perished; something grey and knit which may be a scarf or socks, and other less identifiable things. These were left behind in July 1911 when Wilson, Bowers, and Cherry-Garrard reduced their two sledge loads to one to return to Cape Evans.