Exploring Casey's Archipelago
The winter sea ice around Casey research station opens up countless new opportunities for exploring the many islands, their ice-filled bays, rocky high points and deserted penguin colonies.
I've dedicated as many good-weather days as I can over the last few months to exploring some of these islands and here are my recommendations:
If you want to see big 'bergs, head to Cameron Island. As the furthest accessible island within the Swain Group, this puts you as close as you can get to the channel of icebergs sweeping around the coast from the east.
If you want to be surrounded by a glacier, head to Herring Island. This sizeable island sits alone in Penney Bay and is surrounded by the terminus of the Peterson Glacier and its flanking ice cliffs. Be wary though, as once you've finished your lunch, the snow will start falling and the visibility will drop to about 10m. You'll quickly lose sight of the edge of the continent and you'll have to navigate back by GPS in a full whiteout.
To marvel at the bubbles trapped within frozen lakes, head to Beall Island. A good day outing from station, the large island holds a number of frozen lakes as well as some tucked-away icy coves on the far side that give uninterrupted views to the horizon (aside from the odd trapped iceberg).
If you want to do some rock scrambling, head to Boffa Island. The island is essentially just a single straight spine of rocky cliff line offering commanding views of the Browning Peninsula in one direction and the expanse of Penney Bay and the Peterson Glacier out the other way.
If it's history you seek, head to Peterson Island. A short crossing from the Browning Peninsula will land you on this large island, dotted with pointy peaks and almost cut down the middle by a twisting fjord. Head to the northern point and you'll find a cairn and American flag commemorating Lt Commander Browning's landing at the site in 1948.
If you feel like a long slog through deep snow, head to Pigeon Island. OK, maybe this isn't the story of this island every day but it's certainly how I'll remember it.
And finally, if you want to see a spectacular sunset, head to Shirely Island. It's just a 10min walk from station yet is well positioned in a way that you can't see the buildings of station, which is often a welcome reset, yet you can still be back in time for dinner!
And thanks to the crew here for always covering my fire roster to allow me to head off exploring. I owe you a few!
Michael Cooper
BOM Tech
