This week at Casey: 5 March 2020

We have had quite a busy week here on station, with some summer projects coming to a close, the summer expeditioners heading home, Auroras and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) C130 flight to Wilkins. 

There has been a noticeable change in the weather this week with chillier conditions setting in, which has allowed the summer expeditioners to head home. But thankfully they have been spoilt once again, with some amazing Aurora’s over the weekend.

We have also had the first RAAF C130 Hercules land at Wilkins runway with 8 RAAF personnel on board. With myself and 7 others being lucky enough to venture up to Wilkins to watch the C17 and C130 flights. What an amazing experience to watch the complexities of aircraft activities in the Antarctic.

Last but not least, what an emotional roller coaster this week has been. With the summer expeditioners leaving the snow covered shores of Casey station for their homeland. After 4 splendorous months of adventure filled fun times, let’s just say it will be a little quieter on station from now on.

I would like to thank the summer team for their enthusiasm. We have had some seriously good times together. On behalf of the winter team I wish them the best for whatever comes next.

Jimmy Douglas, Casey Carpenter

With only one week of the summer season left it is hard saying goodbye to the place that has been my home for the last five months.

My experience at Casey has been nothing short of amazing, the spectacular scenery and picturesque views, to the beautiful wildlife that inhabit this unique world. You also get to meet some incredible people down here. The friendships that you make will last forever as we become part of the Casey family.

Unbelievably I am here for work. Being a Station Supply Officer, I am responsible for all freight and cargo operations on station for flights to and from Antarctica and a resupply voyage via the Aurora Australis. The Green Store is where it all starts. It’s the storage facility for pretty much everything from tools and supplies for the tradies, to the food for the kitchen.  

We also get the opportunity to get off station and explore the world around us, such as trekking across the sea ice to Shirley Island to visit the penguin colony or even cross-country ski across to Wilkes Hut for an overnight trip. One of my favourite experiences was a boating trip out amongst the icebergs.

It has certainly been an experience of a lifetime and I will surely miss Casey and Antarctica when I get home. Someone once told me “You’ll never work a day in your life if you love your job.” Well, I definitely love my job.

Tyson Langer, Station Supply Officer