Wow, what an experience it has been so far! An incredible opportunity to learn and explore a vast unique landscape with a team full of go-getters, mixed with a wealth of knowledge, makes for some great conversations!
Let’s wind back to the start… what got me interested in Antarctica? Definitely the challenge and the opportunity for personal growth and to learn new things. My mum, my brother and lots of friends have worked in Antarctica before me, so I’ve heard a lot of stories, but I really had no idea what to expect or how the isolation would feel. I wanted to challenge myself and get the most out of whatever experience it was going to be.
So far, it’s been brilliant! The wealth of knowledge throughout all the community, trades, sciences, meteorology, engineering, medical, communications, field training, individual's personal skills and interests, are more than enough to keep you applied, present and learning. Personally, I like writing notes about everything I learn, so my note book will be chock a block by the time our season comes to an end.
I don’t kid myself, Antarctica, the isolation and the tight knit community definitely has its challenges, but we have a brilliant team and have been able to overcome all the challenges, and adversities so far. There is a great sense of friendship and support in our community which makes time spent away from family a lot easier. I’m sure it’ll make for some lifelong friendships.
Things I enjoy most about Antarctica? Big long rocky walks in the Vestfold hills, camping outside being so cold you can’t sleep (once in the bivvy bag and once in the tent is enough for me)! Card games, darts, the banter and the laughter in the field huts, learning the art of hydroponics, waste water treatment, power generation, Monday and Thursday night jujitsu classes with Jared the builder, along with Tom and Marshall the scientists.
Jared is our coach and he has a wealth of knowledge and is always a great challenge on the mats. And a shout out to Tom and Marshall for having a red hot go every week, it's not easy. They’ll be due for a couple stripes on their belt by the time our season ends.
I really enjoy wood work, it's been great to get some free time over the weekends to get stuck into some projects. There are some photos included of a few creations I’ve made thus far. I also enjoy the dinner time conversation talking about science, weather and there’s always the standard electrician vs plumber debates!
Would I recommend a winter season in Antarctica to a friend? One hundred per cent yes. The winter months have been my favourite so far. It's been great observing the weather changes, seeing the sea ice form and taking photos of the auroras in the dark night skies. And it's only June and the winter has just begun!
I want to thank my partner Jemma, the kids and my family back home for all your love and support. I miss and love you all!
Josh Johnston, Electrician
Davis Station
