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This evening the expeditioners and crew aboard the Aurora Australis gathered at 1930 in the vessel's mess for an auction in support of the Aurora's nominated charity Camp Quality.
Throughout the afternoon, a range of items donated specifically for the auction were brought to the vessel's mess and placed on tables for everyone to inspect. Many of the items were bespoke, expertly crafted from materials expeditioners and crew had with them onboard the ship, or which were sourced from station. Some were easily identifiable as having an 'Antarctic' theme, while others were of general interest or had a practical application.
The large collection of donated items drew considerable interest from the outset, with each representing an opportunity to secure a unique, potentially handcrafted piece of Antarctic memorabilia from Mawson or Davis station, or from the Aurora Australis herself. In all, some 39 items were listed for auction, including (amongst others):
- Single edition prints and framed photographs of Antarctic scenery;
- Hand-drawn, etched and painted artworks;
- Hand-carved clocks, pens, smoking pipes and bottle openers;
- Hand-crafted coat racks, key racks, rope doormats, doorstops and ornaments;
- Limited edition Antarctic medallions and coins;
- A hand-crafted copper rose and hip flask;
- A Steampunk Antarctic lamp and a Steampunk tractor, each with working parts; and
- Hand crafted timber bedside and pedestal lamps, a near life-sized Albatross mobile and even a fully functional cigar-box guitar and case.
Successful bids ranged from $50 - $1,500 for the different items, with crew and expeditioners donating generously in support of Camp Quality - total proceeds from the auction reaching over $11,600.
In coming days, the vessel will make final preparations for our arrival into Hobart on Sunday afternoon, the first time many of the expeditioners aboard will have seen Australia, their family and friends in over 12 months.
Cheers
Mark & Fred
Map
A map showing Australia and Antarctica. The map shows the journey of one voyage that has occured in the season, with each route highlighted in a distinct colour.