This is my first trip down south and even after reading as much as possible about life in Antarctica and reading all the Icy News articles from previous expeditioners, I was really unsure of what to expect. I was called up fairly late for my position and had three weeks of training and briefings in Hobart before leaving on the boat down, but after being here for ten months now I can truly say it is an experience like no other and no matter how good your photography is, you really have to see it for yourself.
Working as a plumber in Antarctica has broadened my skill set immensely. We have so many different systems that we work on from our desalination plant, waste water treatment plant, nitrogen pressurized fire sprinkler systems, oil-fired boilers, autoclave units, H-vac systems, waste incineration, the all-important coffee machine and post mix machine and many more day-to-day maintenance jobs.
In Antarctica we only have two seasons – summer and winter. it has been an amazing opportunity to watch the change in the environment over the year from brisk 5°C days in summer, 24/7 daylight, the beautiful ocean and the wildlife such as elephant seals on the beach, Adelie penguins and various birds. And then seemingly overnight you move into winter with barmy −38°C, 140 km/h winds , six weeks of not seeing the sun pop over the horizon and almost all the wildlife leaving for somewhere warmer. However, the amazing aurora australis, Milky Way and shooting stars have made all the cold and darkness worthwhile.
As a member of the Davis 77th expedition I can say the AAD has done an excellent job this year in mingling this group of extraordinary people together. We have all excelled in our positions this year and formed strong bonds of friendship. I hope my future allows me to get the opportunity to work and live at the other three Australian stations one day into the future.
Thank you to all,
Eric the Plumber
