As the depths of winter are upon our doorstep, the winter team have been very proactive in ensuring we have plenty on our social calendar to keep us engaged, entertained and positive throughout the dark months ahead. We had strategically spread out our Easter public holidays over the last couple of weeks - to manage fatigue and facilitate our work commitments - so we celebrated a delayed “Easter Monday” last Friday and were treated to “Casey Links” - mini golf in the Red Shed (our accommodation building). The effort that went into creating this mini golf course throughout our 2-story home - down all the corridors, up and down stairs, around posts and under chairs - complete with a black light section with glow in the dark features, was astounding! The 18-hole course was thoroughly enjoyed by all who putted the afternoon away. Big shout out to Scotty Newman for instigating the event, with Colin Heaslip and Brad Kerr for their efforts into setting up the course.
Our creative chef, Nick Baker, prepared a surprise meal for our Saturday night dinner. Being secretive all week, Nick had been creating something delicious for us, giving very specific instructions for everyone to arrive by 6.15pm, no later, sitting at tables of 4 only - no negotiations to be entertained. Shrouded in mystery we all gathered outside of the mess, not one person was late, in anticipation of what this surprise dinner was. Nick, along with Patty Kinsella - his super Slushy for the day - had converted the mess into a Chinese restaurant type vibe, where a succulent Chinese meal was spread before us - roast duck, chive pancakes (hand-made with love by chef), sweet & sour chicken, egg fried rice and sesame-dressed Asian greens was served into the centre of each table for us to share in traditional Chinese style. What a treat!
We had grand plans of a democracy sausage sizzle for Saturday’s Federal Election, but the weather had other plans for us - we were subjected to a 76 knot blizzard, so we had our traditional Saturday brunch of bacon, eggs, pancakes and hash browns in the mess instead. Unexpectedly, 24 hours after the peak wind barrelled down upon us with blowing snow reducing visibility to around 3 metres, on Sunday morning we woke to almost zero wind and an aurora to welcome in the new day.
Every week, we acknowledge Marvel Monday, Ted (Lasso) Tuesday and Star Wars Sunday - playing movies/episodes from their respective categories in our Odeon “movie theatre”. This past Sunday was extra significant with it being actual Star Wars Day (May the 4th) so costumes and constructing a lego Millennium Falcon to commemorate the day was a must-do by some. Movies are played regularly - most evenings after dinner in fact. Personally, I’m not one for sitting still and watching movies, but I have thoroughly enjoyed it here - the communal laughter, banter and comradery you feel when doing any activity together with our tight knit community members make it extra fun. We also have fortnightly “Winter Warmers” - where anyone can nominate to host an event or do a presentation. So far, we have had pub trivia, a games night, learnt about unique public art works created by our talented resident Boiler Maker Welder (Mike Hartmann), and were introduced to the inspirational origins of “The Indigenous Marathon Project” (look it up if you don’t know about it).
Our next big social event is mid-winter, an Antarctic tradition when we celebrate the winter solstice on 21 June. Invitations to the big event and dinner are starting to be sent out now to loved ones, VIPs and dignitaries. Traditionally mid-winter gifts are hand-made by each Expeditioner to give to their designated receiver, a bit like a Secret Santa. As a result, after work and on weekends, there is a flurry of creative activity going on to fill our time - woodwork, knitting and cross-stitch to name a few.
Despite currently losing approximately 7 minutes of day light every day, we are still blessed to witness some stunning sunrises, with the sun crossing the horizon around 9am, and sunsets, the sun kissing the last ice berg goodbye roughly 4.30pm - cloud pending. Taking time out of one’s day to appreciate precious moments of nature gives me the biggest joy of being here.
It’s all these seemingly small events in our day-to-day, and on our social calendar, that immensely help us to cope with being isolated so far from mainland comforts and our loved ones - offering us distractions, giving us purpose and things to look forward to. We have a restaurant to go to on a Saturday night. We can go to the movies together. We can go to mini golf on a public holiday. Above all though, it's the love and care for each Expeditioner, and from each Expeditioner, that helps us survive our Antarctic winter together. We have become a Family.
Warmest regards from the ice,
Karlina See Kee
Weather Observer (BoM)
Casey Station
