Mawson Re-supply Operations
 Who placed that berg there – it's not funny anymore |
|  The Aurora Australis at Mawson |
|  Aurora Australis |
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A lot has happened over the past week………our visitors of nine days (all 130+ of them) have come and gone and they left behind good memories, much needed food supplies, fuel, building and mechanical equipment, general station supplies, and wintering expeditioners' personal effects.
 unloading cargo |
|  Duds unloading cargo |
|  Tony the Beachmaster amongst the RTA |
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We said goodbye to Dick, Rhonda, Dave, Mike, Bob, Thomas, Gary, Dud's, Cathie, Swanie, Alby, Sara, and Zaf. And we welcomed Gary, Robyn, Nick, David, Dominic, McGiver and Andrew. Nick and David had no idea when they arrived at Mawson they would be spending the winter here but were delighted when given the opportunity. Our summer team of 22 has now become a wintering team of 17.
 Nick says goodbye to Bob |
|  Zaf looking presentable |
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 Farewell to the Summer Team |
|  See you next year, maybe? |
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Re-supply was a busy time and it also gave everyone the chance to catch up with their friends from the division who assisted with the re-supply as well as those who summered at Casey and Davis. A big thanks to all who assisted with the challenging re-supply – it's was never going to be easy and with the added complications of the ice berg positioned in the centre of the entrance to the harbour, the winds and a few mechanical hiccups with the AA2 and the barge it all came together thanks to the expertise of those who worked long and hard to ensure the re-supply was a success.
 Zane, Tony and Frank – the 3 chefs |
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While it's near impossible to thank everyone individually, special thanks go to Nicki, Rob, Dave Mac, Micky, Jibba, Sprunky, Chris, Leigh, Euan, Jeremy, comms operations, weather forecasters, Joe, Casey and Davis trades team, Sharon, Tony, Frank, FTO's, AA crew and the current and outgoing Mawsonites. Everyone put in such a huge effort – thank you !
Farewell to the Aurora Australis
As our summers were getting settled into their cabins we watched the Aurora load up the last of its cargo, and lift the AA2 and barge onto the deck of the ship. The wintering team then made their way over to West Arm with flares in hand to bid farewell knowing there won't be another ship at Mawson for 12 months.
 Loading the AA2 onto the deck |
|  Charlie lights a flare to say goodbye |
|  Wintering team spread out over West Arm |
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Boj got Bogged
Good on you Boj……we're still not sure who's bogged, is it Boj or the ute?
 Boj or the ute? |
|  It was Boj who got the ute bogged !!! |
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Happy Birthday to two expeditioners
Last Monday Mawson Station celebrated two birthdays on the same day…..Narelle and Zane. Narelle was trying to tell everyone she is only a few years older than Zane and wasn't able to convince anyone. The chefs on the day were Tony, Boj and Robyn who cooked up a pasta feast, along with pavlova and a chocolate cake.
 Boj cooking pasta |
|  Tony lighting the candles |
|  Zane and Narelle blowing out the candles |
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Everyone ended up 4 kg's heavier that night !!
