29 February 2008
BiscoeBiscoe Hut was one of three large huts and one smaller hut constructed for the 1949 Norwegian-British-Swedish(NBS) expedition.
The hut was acquired by Phillip Law, together with two Auster aircraft, as part of a single, fortuitous purchase of equipment from the NBS
The kit of components was constructed by Mo och Domsjö Treetex AB, Örnsköldsvik, Sweden.
The assembly instructions and construction drawings (In Swedish) are held at the Antarctic Division in Kingston and are dated 24 October 1949.
 Ikea? |
|  Biscoe hut in Mawson, the early years |
|  Biscoe |
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Biscoe was damaged in fire during November 2003 although the fire team was able to minimize the damage.
 The fire damage |
|  This is not a drill |
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The cultural significance is accepted and the restorations have seen steady progress toward Biscoe's renewal.
 Attention to detail |
|  Another view |
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A colourful past
 What else can we paint with these colours? |
|  Nice work |
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It is hoped that with completion, Biscoe will again be a building for daily use.
End of Summer Farewell
With the imminent arrival of the Aurora the expeditioners look forward to the traditional farewell to the summer team.
 End of summer 08 |
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With the talents of Zane and the imminent re-supply, a feast was had by all. It has long been speculated that the storage and consumption of food in future space exploration owes much to the research done on Antarctic stations.
 Now for the vegetarians |
|  End of Summer 08 food |
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This is also a time for more feminine attire and a time for the girls of the station to say goodbye.
 The girls of summer |
|  In my day we had to drink out of rolled up newspaper |
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Farewell to Rhonda, Cathy and Sarah. Think of us as you dine alfresco in Salamanca. Farewell to Dave, Mike, Gary, Duds, Dick, Alby, Tony Z, Thomas and Bob
Aurora were for art thou
All eyes are seaward for the arrival of the Aurora Australis.
 Vaiting, vaiting, vaiting |
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With the completion of most summer tasks through the hard work of all the expeditioners on station, the Aurora announced its imminent arrival. As usual it is the weather and the sea ice that determines the true shipping schedules.
 So close |
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After a Trojan effort to be ready, the station makes the waiting seems almost palpable.
 What's missing here…the helo's of course! |
|  Return to sender, address well known, di doo di doo di doo. |
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For some, it was time to say goodbye to familiar friends and locations.
 Bob says goodbye to Warren the incinerator |
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Charlie bids adieu to Gary in the waste treatment area. As a guide to future AAD recruitment screening procedures, Mawson has tendered the following test to establish ones trade qualifications. It is clear why Gary chose to be an electrician rather than a plumber.
 Pick the plumber |
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The wharf is ready.
 The wharf is ready |
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Zane is ready as Chef and with the IRB.
 If I cut here I can remove that iceburg |
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The Aurora remains on schedule and with an extensive program for the re-supply, field training, inspections and helicopter operation it is expected to be quite a busy time for all.
We are all hoping for good weather.
 One last look before we go |
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