“Why would you want to do that?” and “Don’t you think you’re too old for that?” Two questions people often asked me that increased my resolve to get to Antarctica 100 fold!
Hi, my name is Lex and I am currently one of the four summer electricians working alongside the four wintering electricians at Davis Station, Antarctica. We deal with anything electrical – our goal is to help ensure the winter team has a great season while also delivering project outcomes to allow the very important scientific and environmental studies to continue and hopefully ramp up.
This is my second trip to this amazing continent, having spent last season as a summer electrician at Casey Station. While I don’t place myself anywhere near the league of some of our returnees with many, many seasons of experience, I have come back this season with a different focus to my first adventure down here. I have peeled off a deeper layer this trip, my head and sensors are not in overload, my need to do everything with everybody is overtaken by a slower pace and a desire to look, listen, feel and smell my temporary home with a real intention of understanding just where I am.
Back track to the two questions;
Why would I want to do this?
Easy. Not everyone can. My character type is a 'little' challenge and goal driven, just ask my super supportive wife Karen. On a deeper level however, I truly hope my work in Antarctica helps maintain the continuation of research to benefit the global community.
Don’t you think you’re too old?
Hell no. Red rag to a bull that one! The community at Davis needs all age groups. On Station I live in SAM – the Summer Accommodation Module – where we have an age spread of early 20 to early 60-year-olds. The spread of knowledge and experiences is excellent and I have learnt as much from the younger crew as I have passed on.
I had the privilege of celebrating my 60th birthday on station. My son Zach, also an electrician, encouraged me to apply a few years ago and I can only dream of one day doing an Antarctic season with him before I retire.
So, a big NO to the age barrier. In fact technically, I have been working on some equipment on station that I worked on as an apprentice 44 years ago, equipment that the younger electricians have never seen before. We need all ages.
As a returnee it has been very rewarding to assist not only technically, but to also provide people support when needed. Hugs and tears are not foreign in this unique community setting.
So what’s been good?
The voyage down on the Nuyina! We carried out sea ice trials, amazing, once in a life time!
The departure concert on the sea ice with the Red Hot Chilly Penguins!
The station resupply over the sea ice! I was given the task of “Ice Master” helping with cargo movements. My team carried me – Brad J, Muzza, Adam to name a few. I may have accidentally mistaken my radio call sign for “Ice Man” and hoping no one noticed I was wrong, “Copy Maverick”.
Survival and field training! It is always grounding to sleep in a plastic bag and carry your poop home with you. Whatever goes off station comes back. Do not drink from the orange plastic bottles!
A visit to the German research vessel, the PolarStern, as well as spending time on station with some of their crew! A surprise cultural exchange.
Various station celebrations including the summer swim!
The snow fall days! The icebergs! The sea ice leaving and starting to return!
The animals, particularly the eyes. To look at a penguin or a seal in its own back yard makes all the hardship to get here worth it!
The amazing opportunity to do some hut maintenance using the helicopters as our mode of transport.
The community, the formation of a group of strangers from all backgrounds and ages to do some remarkable work in a very unique work environment.
Being able to share the experience with so many people at home in almost real time. On my return some will ask, when are you going back again so we can get more photos.
Gifts made on station. I was given a beautiful wooden jewellery box for Christmas by Santa, two wooden carved emperor penguins from Josh as a special gift for my wife ( I hope I’m home before she reads this) and a Davis shield made by Macca – he made all summer staff a wooden shield. These are all very special to me. Josh is an amazing wood carver and uses beautiful Tasmanian timbers.
So what’s not so good?
Having to take your boots off when entering buildings, some days that could be 20 times!
Diving your hands into cold, soupy dish rinsing water in the kitchen.
Being apart from loved ones. I wasn’t home for my wife’s 60th birthday or our 38th wedding anniversary. That’s going to cost me big time when I return and rightly so.
Seriously though, only the 'being away from loved ones' is a real issue.
Of course there are good and bad days, that’s life. On those days I sit on a rock, look at the penguins or seals with the amazing iceberg formations in the background and most issues improve after that.
The entire process is very dynamic.If you don’t enjoy an ever-changing environment this may not suit you.
What will I be remembered for?
Falling asleep every time I go to the theatre. Doesn’t matter what for – a movie, yoga, maybe some meetings. I’m sure there will be photos.
Having yelling nightmares – tends to scare people the first time.
My relaxing voice (dulcet tones apparently) on the radio when I carry out fire system alarm testing. “All Station, All Station, fire alarm testing is in progress, please disregard all sirens and alarms” It goes on for days … sorry.
Confusing my “Ice Master” call sign with “Ice Man”.
My list of faux pas goes on and on.
Humor aside, hopefully for being the older guy who tried to make every day in such an extraordinary environment the best it could be.
Final Say
Having the opportunity to help make others happier or more content on station is a gift.
Home support, a must. I have had the most amazing support from my darling wife of 38 years Karen, and my family and also my employer.
It’s not always easy but you’re never too old.
Final Final Say
I am finishing this article on the voyage home from Davis Station in the comfort of the very impressive Nuyina. We are four days out from Hobart, the crew are skilfully dodging poor weather and the trip has been a marvellous wind down from the busy season. We have seen our last iceberg, but some wildlife still keeps us company. I am very excited to see the amount of science work being carried out on this voyage – krill collection, on board aquariums, sea floor surveying, whale mooring recovery and deployment to name a few. The bubble of the science and engineering staff is infectious and their desire to share knowledge and show off their work is refreshing.
When I arrive home it will be day 211 away. That first hug from the wife will be a long meaningful one!
One last time, Never Too Old.
Lex Hoskin
Davis Station Summer Electrician ANARE 77
2023 - 2024
