What do you do at Casey?
All of us expeditioners are asked the usual questions about Antarctica, i.e. What's it like down there? How cold is it really? Can you bring me a penguin home? (My grandchildren, Peyton and Parker, want one Adélie each!), and so on.
But I find the most commonly asked question is, "What do you actually do down there? What's your job?"
Well, what can I say? We are modern-day explorers, keepers of the great southern desert.
The most critical thing we do here is keep the power on.
The generator sets in the Main Power House (MPH) produce electricity and heat. The waste heat generated by the engine cooling system is captured and used to heat the stations. This process is known as cogeneration. Using the waste heat in this way saves up to 50% of the station's power requirements.
We are in an awesome part of the world, experiencing Mother Nature at her best (and sometimes worst). From winds of up to 100 knots, blinding blizzards and freezing cold temperatures, to the warmer weather we have had over the last few weeks, averaging between -24°C and -4°C, Antarctica never fails to impress.
As summer arrives with 24-hour sunlight, migratory birds have returned to the area, including majestic snow petrels, predatory skuas, Antarctic petrels and giant petrels. Additionally, Weddell seals and their pups can now be seen scattered along the coastlines to the east and west of the station.
The experience wouldn't be complete without the Adélie penguins, which are my absolute favourite locals. Thousands of them have migrated back from their winter in the Southern Ocean to breed on the numerous islands along the Antarctic coast. They frequently wander onto our station, taking shortcuts and even stealing pebbles to build their nests.
We also head outside to enjoy our immediate surroundings, scouting and trekking across the regional landscape and icy lakes. The highlands and mountain ranges are full of stunning natural formations, featuring incredible ice structures and wind-carved patterns. Best of all, the sweeping vistas from the summits are absolutely breathtaking.
So, to answer the question, "What do you do down in Antarctica? What's your job?" I'm one of four station diesos (diesel mechanics). We actually get to fix things and do all sorts of mechanic-related work. I'm pretty sure we have the best job in the world.
Stay safe, world. See you all in December.
Ron Brookhouse – SMS/Deiso.
