I've always felt uncomfortable on icy worlds. It's way to easy to get yourself stuck down a canyon, and a few days ago it nearly happened to me.
I don't normally post about my in-game activities (who needs to know about a commander pottering about in the black), but this time I feel I need to share my close call. Some may find it amusing, others educational. From my EDSM diary...
I don't normally post about my in-game activities (who needs to know about a commander pottering about in the black), but this time I feel I need to share my close call. Some may find it amusing, others educational. From my EDSM diary...
I hadn't quite topped up all my FSD boost materials - some Niobium was still required. Against my better judgement that icy planets are just too risky, I landed on Pheia Bra YM-W c1-0 4 a at Geological #1 on a ledge about half way down the canyon wall (8.9176/155.9802).
Of course, while trying to get to some of the materials I got just a bit too close to the edge and slid most of the rest of the way down to the bottom.
On a rocky world I would have no problem working my way back up. The SRV is surprisingly 'sticky' on rocky worlds. Icy worlds are another thing entirely.
After spending about an hour trying to jump my way up, including trying to ride some of the geysers up, I gave up and tried dismissing and recalling my ship.
Another bad decision! I knew it was possible for the ship to have trouble landing in canyons, and that proved to be the case. Luckily, it got down to 'only' 35% hull before I was able to successfully dismiss it.
I knew I couldn't recall my ship until I was sure it was safe to do so. The only way to do that was to get out of the canyon. I tried another geyser - this time it shot me up past the ledge where I had landed my ship. I was able to drive my SRV back down to the ledge where I had originally landed. If I hadn't dismissed it, it would have still been there! Arrrggghhh!
Beyond the ledge the canyon walls opened out a little and became less steep. I decided to try 'crabbing' my way up the side. This turned out to be the answer! I drove backwards at a shallow angle, barely ascending the sides of the canyon. This works because the weight of the SRV is directed to the 'downhill' wheels - and if you drive backward there are four of those, rather than just two. After several minutes I could tell the canyon walls were becoming less steep and I felt I was approaching the top. Another minute or so and I made it! Safely at the top.
With my hands shaking, I recalled my ship. This time it reappeared - with fully restored shields, but still 35% hull. It landed safely and I boarded it and took off as quick as I could - so quickly I forgot to take pictures. I could not get off that planet fast enough.
Once safe in deep space, I stopped and repaired my hull. Four limpets later and it was back to 100%. Phew!
I still need some Niobium, and now some SRV refuelling and repair materials, but it's going to be rocky or HMC worlds from now on! I'm also happy that my record of never losing an SRV on an expedition has remained intact.
Update!
I returned to the scene to make a diagram:
IMO it's been a fun experience exploring ice planets in search of the N. Pole. So my Holo Me could finally help me prove my parents were lying to me all along in my childhood. Just like they did with that Tooth Fairy.
Or perhaps he regained consciousness and used his Jedi mind tricks to escape the nasty ice Thargoid cousin thingy in the nick of time. My Holo Me will now never know for sure. Because he certainly isn't going back into that hell of a star system in his flying waffler maker. Just to get stalked to death by some ticked off female alien banshee NPC he blocked on his channel. 
