This week at Mawson Station 8 August 2008

This week's illustration

The daily migration of the modern expeditioner : captured well by Nick, numerous members of the Mawson team often feel guilty after spending a lot of time with their heads in the fridge.

The Daily Migration of the Modern Expeditioner

On the job

This week amongst the trades we saw a hive of activity generated in the Main Power House with some major equipment receiving six monthly maintenance and servicing. The MPH was also given a break for a day while the Emergency Power House was started up and tested. A great opportunity to also test the fire suppression system and release the Hi-Fog, all part of the annual maintenance requirements.

Boj in the MPH Photo: Tony D'A

Charlie making preparations for the hi-fog test Photo: Tony D'A

David, Boj and Charlie changing over the MPH switchgear. Photo: Tony D'A

David, Dom and Boj in the MPH Photo: Tony D'A

Boj servicing the batteries in the MPH Photo: Tony D'A

Charlie tightening up Tony's head Photo: Narelle C

Antarctic 48 Hour Film Festival

About a month ago we received an email from our friends over at McMurdo Base asking if Mawson (and other stations across the continent) would like to participate in the Antarctic 48 Hour Film Festival. Traditionally, our American friends held the film festival in-house, but this year decided to make it an international event and open it up to all stations.

Participating stations were emailed the filming criteria late last Friday, we needed to include the following :

• A cardboard box
• A new person / FNG
• The line : "What do you mean you want a day off for mid-winters?"
• A bodily noise other than speech
• Maximum 5 minutes
• 48 hours to submit entries

So, in between work programs, Saturday duties, emails and phone calls to family and friends at home the Mawson team brushed up on their acting skills and became actors and extra's for the film. Nick wrote and directed the film and Boj filmed.

Voting is open to all winter residents of Antarctica. Tonight, the Mawson team will be watching all 12 entries and casting their votes in the following categories:

• Best Film
• Best Acting
• Best Cinematography
• Best Screenplay
• Best use of required items

Participating Stations are as follows : Mawson, Casey, Halley, 4 entries from McMurdo, Neumayer Germany, Rothera UK, SANAE South Africa and 2 entries from Scott Base in New Zealand.

Here's a few stills…….

An emperor delivering the cardboard box Photo: Tony B

The 'New Guy' pouring drinks at the bar Photo: Tony B

Dominic and 'The New Guy' discussing appropriate use of vehicles around station Photo: Tony B

Nick and 'The New Guy' solving the worlds problems over a drink Photo: Tony B

Nick and 'The New Guy' getting to know each other a little better Photo: Tony B

Graeme and 'The New Guy' Photo: Tony B

'The New Guy' riding Mawson's mechanical bull Photo: Tony B

In the Field

Phase two of the Emperor Penguin Project commenced at Auster Rookery last week and over a two week period Gary and Robyn, with the assistance of the Mawson team will be collecting samples from 200 emperors.

Charlie and friends at Auster Photo: Robyn M

Charlie and Dave with an Emperor Photo: Robyn M

Gary sneaking up on the emperor's Photo: Robyn M

OR, maybe it's the emperor's sneaking up on Gary Photo: Robyn M

Jodi, Nick and Gary weighing an emperor Photo: Robyn M

Zane counting penguins in Macey hut Photo: Robyn M

Gary, Zane and Geoff working in not so calm conditions Photo: Robyn M

Charlie and David securing an emperor Photo: Robyn M

David, Charlie and Gary at Auster Photo: Robyn M

Gary in the lab at Auster Photo: David W

Until next week...