Signs that spring is returning to Casey, and Wilkins wakes up

Coming to an end

With our winter now at an end - one season finishes and another begins. Spring, a season of new excitement as we eagerly await the return of all our lost creatures. Already there has been speculation and queries as to the return of seals, these random big blobs appearing on the sea ice and disappearing in the blink of an eye. With the possible arrival of seals (I have yet to confirm) this can only mean one thing, the imminent return of the masses of Adelie penguins and coastal bird life. This will certainly lead to the return of more frequent adventures to isolated huts and exploration of our spectacular piece of Antarctica. Now out of the dark and the length of days seeming close to normal, we are able to soak up the sunsets and sunrises which are now feeling numbered.

Nathan Grace, Casey Mechanic

A constrasting sky with blue showing through and dark but light rimmed clouds looking towards the mouth of Newcomb Bay
Jacks hut near Casey, lit by a low winter sun. Two large rocks, one on top of the other, in foreground
An orange winter sunset looking out to the East over the sea towards silhouetted icebergs
A leopard seal head popping out from a very icy sea
Two Adelie penguins on a rocky beach. One penguin has a rock in it's mouth to give to a possible mate
Penguins leaving for the winter congregate on ice near Casey Station

Wilkins startup

With 5 months at Casey over winter now drawing to an end the time to awaken the sleeping Wilkins aerodrome is upon us.

Convoying out of station in 4 tractors and 3 Haggs, carrying 10 people and towing a total of 13 sleds consisting of 5 buildings, 3 machines and various other equipment we set our focus on the journey ahead.

Conditions on the day were more than generous providing clear skies, a temperature of -26°C and low winds. Within 24 hours the winter camp was brought back to life and by hour 48 the buildings were liveable and providing hot water. After 6 days both the camp and workshop were fully operational including moving the workshop to its summer location.

Poor weather conditions since have delayed the start of the snow clearing process for the runway preparation. However, with easing conditions predicted it looks hopeful to start the works sometime soon.

Wilkins team - Matt Ryan, Sam Jacobs, Glenn Harradine, Dane Riley

Blue skies and snow from foreground to horizon with a convoy of vehicles setting off for Wilkins from Casey making tracks in to the distance.
The Wilkins convoy with a red tractor in the foreground pulling colourful sleds packed with containers across the snow
Clear blue sky with large green shed building at the centre, cables on the gound, expeditioners working and various tractors and lorries
Sam Jacobs the Wilkins mechanic with icy beard. Portrait style looking to camera with sunglasses on.
The wilkins mechanical workshop against a backdrop of sundogs or parhelion with diggers and work vehicles
The laydown area at Wilkins with white shed building, blue container, digger and tractor
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