Classic Casey adventures
We all come down here for one reason – to live a truly unique adventure. And that’s something Casey delivers in spades.
Early last week, four expeditioners set off to the remote southern reaches of Casey’s operating area. Armed with chainsaws, crowbars and shovels, the mission sounded simple enough: retrieve a seismic sensor buried in the ice.
On arrival, it quickly became clear this wouldn’t be a quick job. The ice was solid, blue and unforgiving. After an initial search turned up nothing, we resorted to following exposed wires down into the ice – digging, cutting and hauling as we went. Chainsaws roared as we carved out large blocks, prying them free with crowbars before continuing deeper.
Five hours later, and 1.3 metres below the surface, we finally reached the sensor. Carefully cutting it free from its icy grip, we hauled it out – eight tanks of fuel and a lot of digging later. Job done. Or so we thought.
After a well–earned evening at the hut (including a competitive game of Catan, convincingly won by Larko), and a night listening to the wind rattle the walls, it was time for the next task – field travel training.
With the GPS switched off (no shortcuts allowed) we navigated across the rolling hills and frozen lakes of Browning Peninsula using only map and compass. Progress came with plenty of discussion (and the occasional disagreement) about our exact location, but eventually we reached our destination – an elephant seal wallow.
With most Adélie penguins now out at sea, the seals have well and truly taken over, gathering in groups as they undergo their annual moult. Packs dropped, a few of us climbed a nearby hill, rewarded with sweeping 360° views across the peninsula.
Later in the week, Casey marked one month into the winter season and it was time for the SAR team to put their training to the test.
After a summer of preparation, a simulated rescue scenario was set in motion. Arno (FTO) and Charlotte headed out to a pre-dug 'crevasse', with Charlotte taking on the role of casualty. With a distress call over the radio, the station sprang into action.
The response was swift and well-coordinated. A fast-response team on quads, led by Blinky and Michael, arrived first to assess the situation, followed by the rest of the SAR team with additional equipment. Using their newly-developed skills, the team established a rope rescue system and safely extracted Charlotte from the 'crevasse'.
All involved returned to station with smiles and the quiet confidence that, should the real thing ever happen, Casey is in very capable hands.
That’s the thing about Casey – adventure isn’t hard to find. Whether you’re digging through ice, navigating across the plateau or getting roped into a SAR exercise, there’s always something going on. It might not always go to plan, but that’s half the fun, and a big part of why we’re all here.
Arno Payan
Senior Field Training Officer
