Midwinter
This past week at Casey station we celebrated midwinter! The shortest day of the year and the halfway point of our time down here. We spent the weekend celebrating this by doing our midwinter swim, an ice bar, exchanging handmade gifts, and having a fantastic dinner made by our chef.
Midwinter Swim
To start our Midwinter on Thursday we went to the wharf for our midwinter swim, where some of our crew spent the better part of a day cutting a hole in the ice for us to swim in. On the day we wandered on down and one by one took part in the Antarctic tradition. The weather really turned it on for us that day as it was a toasty -20 (-30 with wind chill) and the water was -2.
Ice Bar
Next up on Friday was the Ice Bar, where some of the team spent the past week pushing snow, building igloos, and carving seats and shelves to make the ice bar. We spent Friday afternoon enjoying all the bar had to offer and drinking some nice and warm mulled wine.
Midwinter Day
Sunday marked the winter solstice. We started this day with a champagne brunch. Following that we went straight into our midwinter gifts. The team had spent the last couple months making gifts for each other anonymously, basically like secret Santa. Then on to our dinner, which was prepared by our amazing chef and helpers. Dinner was a five course meal followed by a cake that was the size of a table.
It’s hard to wrap up this week as it was such an amazing week. It is such a surreal experience being lucky enough to be a part of a small percentage of people who have got to spend a winter in Antarctica. Everyone in the community chipped in to make this weekend unforgettable. A special thanks to our friends and family who sent through messages and videos. Made the day feel even more special.
Cheers!
Azza – Traverse Mechanic
