As the date for the first flight approaches we at Casey prepare with mixed emotions. Then there are the practicalities.
Around station, bags are being packed - and then packed again. Our Station Supply Officer for the winter Flynn (also our Field Training Officer), has been busy packing L-pallets for our first C17 cargo flight next week.
Antarctica is a continent where almost everything is free
Whilst it’s not the case for everyone it seems to be for me
While days are filled with activities that benefit a cause
The night sees many activities that bring regular applause
Our crew are simply awesome at most everything they do
Still can’t believe the scenery, it’s pink, grey, white and blue
Everyone has a job to do and we help each other out
While in the hydroponics lab things always seem to sprout
The brewery is a part of town that sees a regular crew
Bring life to hops and sugar and yeast to turn into something new
Our gyms are usually filled with people all and sundry
How I ended up being one of them leaves me in a quandary
At times some of us experiment on ivory, strings and percussion
Though sometimes it would be easier if we actually had a lesson
With all these things and more to do seems we wouldn’t fit the time in
To enjoy the huts, the birds the seals and don’t forget the penguins
This “Ode to an expeditioner” is only part of the full equation
But when you read this maybe you will understand what it’s like to be “on station”
Peter Mackle, Casey Electrician
