-66.315505,110.535817 (Party At The Rock)
The Social aspect of Casey station is alive and well.
It is an important aspect of expeditioner life to have a work/life balance. Even with the massive variety of work and weather conditions, life can sometimes be monotonous and repetitive. Getting in the groove and getting it done.
Breaking this up with regular activities and events brings much excitement to all. With our fearless chief distractor of all things work, SUPP Charlotte keeping the social calendar stacked. The decision was made to organise a party at tiger rock.
The Plan was simple.
Lights, audio, transport and refuge.
Two groups, one week apart to allow everyone a chance to rave at the rock.
Goody and Sean did a lot of heavy lifting with this event. With mentions to Tom, Noel and Arno also.
Prepositioning the ATASI van at tiger rock for refuge and ambient temp storage of non-sensitive equipment. (ATASI Van is a portable accommodation facility mounted to a towable sled. 6 bunks small kitchen and tables.) This was achieved a few days before with the help of a 500 horsepower Quad track.
The first night was moved around a little to line up with the best weather windows. With the set-up crew heading out at 330 to prepare. We tucked into a beautiful feed from our Chef Matty (Happy Birthday for Monday Mate.) 1845 Departure planned.
With a few last-minute items packed we departed at 1900. A 45 min drive ahead for the Hagglands full of Expos. Bluetooth speaker blaring in the caboose, bouncing around. Half the party was getting there.
Arriving at the rock we were greeted with a line of fairy lights leading over the snow berm into the wind scar of the rock. Standing at the apex of the berm is our set up crew. We all gather round to listen to the safety brief and it is time to party.
A projector set up with cool effects lights up the snow berm. Fairy lights meandering along surface cracks in the ice. Lighting towers with strobes, lasers and even a disco ball. Of course. The smoke machine let out one big puff as we arrived. Before the suspected freezing of the smoke fluid.
With the recent wind events the ice is clear of snow and quite slippery, ice spikes are a must. Then the music is drowned out as the crack of a chainsaw roars into life. FTO Arno is making a carefully crafted incision to allow better penetration of the light beams through the clear ice. It works a treat. Lighting up all the bubbles frozen in time.
Hot chocolates and good time ensued. Everyone got stuck in and packed up once it was over. Back into the Haggs for a convoy back to station.
The second party enjoyed very much the same flow of events. Lots of smiles laughs and yarns. We even got an aurora whilst setting up. Thanks to the keen eyes of Michael and Charlotte for spotting that one out.
Massive thanks to everyone involved in making this event happen.
Happy Birthday to my cousin Will Mangan. Hope the weather holds up for good sowing.
Andrew Ryan
Wilkins Aerodrome Mechanic – Casey Station
P.S I have heard we have a huge fan of this news article. So G’day Vanessa.
