Over at Casey we've been renovating, sea ice drilling and skiing! We also talk to Rob the plumber about life in Antarctica.

Bathroom renovations

The main part of the living quarters at Casey is 25 years old and, unsurprisingly, a few renovations are in order. This winter part of the work program includes repainting and resealing bathrooms and replacing floor coverings in some of the hallways and bedrooms. These jobs fall to the wintering carpenter, Dan.

This week Dan made a start on the bathrooms in Huskies’ Hollow and The Bronx, two of the hallways on the top floor of the Red Shed. Not accidentally, the doctor, Sheri, lives in one of these hallways and is very excited about getting a bathroom renovation. Quite a few people on station are concerned about how Sheri will take it when she finds that the ‘reno’ involves some paint and silicon rather than a full gutting and fitout with gold taps and a spa. We will just have to nurse her through that realisation.

The station leader, Mark H, offered to help Dan for a few days but, being dubious about his skills, Dan made sure Mark started on his own bathroom rather than in someone else’s. After the first day, Dan further suggested that maybe Mark could just paint his bedroom.

This isn’t a quick job, but at this time of year working inside isn’t such a bad option. Who knows? Dan may even get some useful help before he is finished.

More sea ice drilling

One of the science programs being undertaken at Casey this winter is monitoring of the sea ice. This is being done through weekly drilling at specified sites. The data gathered is used along with meteorological observations to analyse ice-atmosphere interactions. The project started at Casey last winter and continues this year. We have 7 sites to drill weekly and 3 others further from station to drill approximately once per month.

Last week, Craig and Jamie headed out onto Newcomb Bay on skidoo to begin the project for this winter. With the sea ice here not as stable as the other stations we ventured forth in full survival suits and drilled at regular intervals. We got readings of ice thickness ranging from 570mm to 900mm which was very reassuring. The data gathered is also beneficial for those on station planning recreational trips via the sea ice.

On Sunday, Craig, Gav and Stu headed to Robbo’s Hut to drill the three more remote sites. We arrived via Hägglunds and then loaded up sleds to head off to Sparkes Bay on foot. The sea ice in the bay was greater than 800mm at all points with about 200mm of snow on top. Pleased we had done our bit for science for the day, we headed back to the hut for some R&R.

On Monday, we headed off on foot to Penney Bay. Moderate snowfall reduced the visibility to 500 metres and once away from the coast it quickly became a whiteout. Again drilling at regular intervals we made our way towards the project drill site. Along the way, we found a hole in the ice with some blood nearby. Moments later we were visited by a Weddell seal who was happy to pose for a few photographs much to our delight. We then returned to Robbo’s and the comfort of a Hägglunds for the return trip to station. The sea ice project will continue throughout winter for as long as weather and sea ice conditions allow.

Sunday skiing session

One advantage of wintering at Casey over the other Australian Antarctic stations is that you get the opportunity to get out the cross country skis. Sure, there are a few pairs of cross country skis at Davis, but it’s not much fun using them on dirt. Casey, on the other hand, has plenty of snow cover close to station, and even maintains a short, groomed ski trail in the recreation area over summer. At the moment, there is almost too much soft powder on the ski loop, as we haven’t had a decent blizz in quite a while. Due to this, recent ski attempts have been only semi-successful, with skis generally staying a good 20cm under the snow surface at all times. Sure, there are a few pairs of cross country skis at Davis, but it’s not much fun using them on dirt. Casey, on the other hand, has plenty of snow cover close to station, and even maintains a short, groomed ski trail in the recreation area over summer. At the moment, there is almost too much soft powder on the ski loop, as we haven’t had a decent blizz in quite a while. Due to this, recent ski attempts have been only semi-successful, with skis generally staying a good 20 cm under the snow surface at all times.

To stop the whingers, Misty very kindly groomed the ski trail this week, and subsequently felt the love from all those that had been itching to get out on the snow again. To add to the excitement, Gavin had also finished stocktaking the new ski gear, so it was available for us to use. So on Sunday, with the temperature a balmy −20 degrees and not a breath of wind, a group of six people headed out in the rec area for a bit of a play, all decked out with shiny new skis and poles, and comfy new boots. Here are some of the results. To add to the excitement, Gavin had also finished stocktaking the new ski gear, so it was available for us to use. So on Sunday, with the temperature a balmy -20 degrees and not a breath of wind, a group of six people headed out in the rec area for a bit of a play, all decked out with shiny new skis and poles, and comfy new boots. Here are some of the results.

Misty’s Mad Minute…Introducing Rob

NAME: Rob Thorne

NICKNAME: Rob

ROLE ON STATION: Plumber

OTHER APPOINTMENTS: LSA ( Lay surgical Assistant), Fire Team, Environmental Officer

What is the 1 thing you enjoy most about your current job? Not working in the waste. treatment plant

Why Antarctica? Solitude and wilderness.

What did you give up to come to Antarctica? A normal life.

Do you have a home to go back to? No. Might try WA.

Do you think your pets will bite you? Not a pet person.

Any work lined up on your return to Australia? Not yet.

What other occupation would you have if not a plumber? Electrician. So much easier.

Are you continuing study/ tertiary ed. / services duty? Further trade courses lined up on return to Australia.

If not at Casey this year, what else would you be doing? Keeping warm.

Hobbies at Casey? Whisky tasting.

New hobbies for home and the future? Wine tasting.

Buying any large toys on your return home? New motorbike.

Holidays planned?
Somewhere tropical.

The Red Shed is burning down and you are only have time to save 1 thing? Laptop.

You are stuck on a deserted island with one person? Tall, blonde & curvaceous.

Which other Antarctic station would you like to visit? Macca.

What are your tastebuds craving most? Fresh fruit.

One item you wished you brought down? My lady friend.

Your favourite hut? Browning.

Favourite Antarctic wildlife? Leopard Seal.

Most important thing you would take on a jolly? Fresh coffee.

Favourite summer highlight? Boat trip to Peterson Island.

Antarctic highlight? Heli flights around Davis.

Winter highlight so far? Stu’s whisky tasting night.

Name 1 person you most like to winter with? Too many good people here to only name one.

Favourite place in the world? Mossman National Park.

How do you have your jalapenos? In the bin.

If Comms could download one Olympic event for us to watch this year, any request? Archery.

What is the first thing you will do when you return to Australia? Catch up with family and friends.

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