Davis get surprised by the neighbours dropping in, life on a busy station and a sad tribute.

Nick’s illustration of the week

Visitors from Bharati Station

When the last ship of the season sails away the winter team remaining on station know full well they won’t see another person, ship or aircraft  for at least nine months — or so we thought.

Last Friday night the winter team were enjoying a few drinks in the bar and eating dinner when they noticed unfamiliar faces peering through the mess window. It took a few seconds to register we had visitors and we weren’t alone. A party from Bharati Station (Indian) decided to drop in unannounced, no-one heard their helicopter and for our visitors they thought the station had been abandoned. After hearing the hum of the power house they decided to walk towards station and look for signs of life. Our 12 visitors were soon invited in for a coffee and a chat before departing station two hours later. The team returned on Sunday with another helicopter load of expeditioners (20 in total) for a tour of station, more coffee and a few Tim Tams. Tour guides Paul, Dave, Josh, Narelle, and Nick showed our new friends around station; by far the most popular building was our Band Hut where they were keen to test out the musical instruments… surely a few may consider following a career as a rock star when they return home.

Science

Stu (Comms), Alyce and Sarah (Science) went for a walk out to Law Cairn on Sunday and on their way out came across one of the automatic monitoring cameras set up by Barb Frankel’s team. Right in front of the camera a group of penguins have decided to hang out to moult. For at least the last week  all the photos taken by the camera have the penguins posing in them. They were definitely not camera shy!

 

Birthday celebrations

Two birthdays were celebrated on station during the week. Plumber Webby and Mechanical Supervisor Mark clocked up another year, to the delight of 19 other cake-loving expeditioners. Happy birthday Webby and Mark from your wintering mates at Davis.

Medical training

Throughout winter expeditioners are involved in regular refresher training covering various aspects of ‘station life’ such as fire drills, search and rescue, and medical training. During the week Judy — Davis’s Medical Doctor provided detailed training on how to use the electrocardiogram (ECG). The photos below show Layla and Corey preparing the ECG with Nick, Adam and Josh the three willing and relaxed volunteers (that’s because there were no needles involved). The training was a huge success, completed under the watchful eye of Doc Judy.electrocardiogram (ECG). The photos below show Layla and Corey preparing the ECG with Nick, Adam and Josh the three willing and relaxed volunteers (that’s because there were no needles involved). The training was a huge success, completed under the watchful eye of Doc Judy.

On the job

Another busy week at Davis is coming to a close. More vehicles and machinery were placed in sheds for the winter; our science personnel continue to test water and maintain automated science equipment; solar panels placed at Adams Flat; many meals served; medical training; weather balloons released and data recorded; the big Green Store project is well underway, and servicing and general maintenance is ongoing for our communications, electrical, plumbing and carpenters.

In the field

A few groups ventured past station limits last week to enjoy the Vestfold Hills stunning scenery; Judy and Layla enjoyed a night at Watt’s hut whilst Stu provided excellent survival training to newcomers Dave, Dom and Narelle.

Wildlife and scenery

In memory of Luke

One of our winter team has a close family connection with the family of Luke Batty, we gathered to remember Luke and enforce the message that there is no place for family violence.

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