This week at Casey: 22 November 2013

How do you celebrate the end of winter, the return of local biodiversity and the incoming of a new breed of summer expeditioners at Casey? I’m not really sure how you’re supposed to answer that question, but we decided to hold a ‘flora and fauna’ themed party on Saturday evening. The event was a success and attracted a range of animals and flowers that would impress any bio-boffin. The showstopper for the evening was without doubt Mick (pink pig) but other mentionable efforts included a kiwi disguised as a sheep, a pink unicorn, an owl, inspired safari poacher, animal butcher, shrinking violet, a brown bear and a fairy with a passion for doing the splits.

Amanda and Scott prepared a suitably amazing dinner to begin the festivities and ‘round up the herd’ which was followed by a series of games and many great conversations. Key highlights from the evening included a successful round of ‘Killer’ on the dartboard, whereby everyone was able to eventually obtain ‘Killer Status’, although Gav (our new Davis ‘blow-in’) scored the ultimate ‘Killer’ status and Danielle put the fear of God into anyone within a ten-meter radius of the dartboard. Many at the expense of our Field Training bro Mick who won an epic game of Jenga, and last but not least Mikey (our resident Canadian Basler engineer) slaughtered Ben M on the pool table (although this was found to be no surprise to anyone).

What is the chance of finding a wedding ring which you were wearing around your neck, and didn’t know where you lost it, and someone else finding it nine month’s later outside after a Antarctic winter?

Well it happen to me. While traveling to Wilkins aerodrome from Casey station around 70km, we pulled over at the Arctic Circle sign for a photo opportunity and stretch our legs. According to the date/time stamp on the pictures it was 18^th of February 4.39 pm. I most likely broke the necklace pulling up the neck warmer. Later that evening retiring to bed I noticed the necklace in my clothing with the ring missing. Well I had a good look around the room, mess, and vehicle with no luck.

Later that week I broke the news to my wife, who took it fairly well. Considering she bought it for me as a going away gift before I departed to do a winter here at Casey.

The Hercules United States Cargo plane arrives in November and signifies the start up and de-winterizing of the Wilkins aerodrome. One of the Wilkins crew Micky, was doing the same thing I guess, stretching his legs while driving the 3–4 hour bumpy trip to Wilkins, kicked something on the ground that looked a little strange, and to his surprise a ring rolled along the frozen wind scoured plateau. Some questions were asked if anyone had lost a ring and the rest is history, a pleasant end to my winter at Casey station.

Casey summer through a camera lens.