A busy week at Casey
The last couple weeks have seen the completion of Traverse 1 to Law Dome, 133km from station at an altitude of almost 1400 metres. A team of eight headed up to inspect the Automated Weather Station (AWS) and conduct some initial work on the battery and solar panels. The team experienced a variety of weather from a perfect, calm relatively warm day of −25°C to winds up to 55kts and blowing snow.
The Wilkins Aerodrome start-up is in full swing with the four member team departing this week to set up camp and commence the demanding and important work of getting the runway ready for the arrival of aircraft in late October. The Aerodrome is 65km south east of station and about a four hour journey. The work will be supported by many members of the broader Casey team from communications set up, AWS repairs and electrical and plumbing work.
The weather is changeable at Casey, with a blizzard one day and beautiful the next, but we have enjoyed some very nice weekends and perfects days in general to get on the sea ice. The team has explored the area on quads and skis with sightings of many Weddell seals, and a not so friendly Leopard Seal. The next few weeks should bring more opportunity to get out and all going well, we should see Weddell seal pups in the area.
Chris (SL)
Getting to know a Casey Expeditioner — Garvan Timms
Name: Garvan
Nicknames: Starvin, Jack Russel
From: Brisbane
Previous seasons? None
Job title: Plumber
Describe your role in two sentences:
Install pipes. Fix pipes.
What did you do before your joined the AAD?
Fire sprinkler fitter on high rises
What is your favourite part of your job here at Casey?
All the jobs that have nothing to do with plumbing
If you were not a plumber what would be your dream job?
Comms tech at Casey
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Boxing, darts and skiing
What song sums up your Casey experience so far?
Reggae shark
What actor would play you in a film version of our 72nd ANARE season here at Casey?
Jason Statham
Favourite piece of Australian Antarctic Division kit?
Overalls
What is your favourite book / movie (or both) and why?
Pulp fiction
What is your typical ‘Slushy FM’ genre? Do you have a particular favourite?
Lethal’s playlist
Describe your Casey experience with: a sight, a smell, a sound, a feeling and a taste.
Sunsets over the sea ice, the waste treatment plant, two dogs karaoke, force of the wind in a blizzard, sourdough and peanut butter.
Do you have a favourite quote that you’d like to leave us with?
We’re all in the gutter but some of us are looking at the stars — Oscar Wilde
Something people may not know about you:
I macramé
