Hi, my name’s Troy, and I’m one of three wintering plumbers at Davis Station.
Life on station is both rewarding and challenging. There are lots of different personalities, plenty of emotions, and countless once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
It took me three years of applying before the AAD finally gave in and offered me a spot on an expedition – and I’ve grabbed the opportunity with both hands, fully embracing everything Antarctica has to offer.
In mid-August 2024, I got a call from the Division offering me a contract. I had two weeks to get to Hobart. I moved out of my house, wrapped up my mining job in the Pilbara like every other West Aussie, and flew over to Hobart. That marked the beginning of a six-week intensive training program to prepare for what was to come in Antarctica. From training with the Tasmanian Fire Department to going back to school for two weeks to learn Antarctic-specific plumbing, it was full-on. I also managed to squeeze in time to explore a few local pubs – and can confirm that Hobart’s best pub grub is at the New Sydney Hotel, for those playing at home.
Next came a two-week voyage aboard Australia’s pride and joy, the icebreaker RSV Nuyina. I had mixed feelings going into that part. Sure, the promise of quality meals, cooked breakfast, lunch, and dinner sounded great, but there wasn’t much else to do besides stare out across the Southern Ocean. Turns out, doing nothing is quite the hobby of mine, and the two weeks flew by.
I remember the ship wedging itself into the sea ice about a kilometre off station. Walking off the Nuyina and across the sea ice toward Davis Station, I felt the cold cut across my face with a cross breeze and honestly thought to myself; What the hell am I doing here? The coldest place I’d experienced before this was Hobart and I thought that was freezing.
But like anything, you adapt. By November, it was around −10°C, and I found myself standing outside, wearing a T-shirt and shorts. Life was good.
There have been many incredible experiences down here – survival training that involved sleeping outside in a bivvy bag, driving a Hägglund over the frozen ocean, seeing my first aurora, star gazing, watching the sun slowly disappear below the horizon (still waiting on its return), and making some solid friendships along the way.
Conquering bad habits and accomplishing personal goals are the achievements I’m most proud of since coming down here. Taking yourself away from the distractions of everyday life and working on yourself for 12 months in one of the most extreme environments on Earth has been a gift.
But like all good things in life, it comes with sacrifice. For most of us here, that sacrifice is precious time away from loved ones. I cope by putting my home life on hold and detaching from it all. I only speak to close family and friends when I feel I need to. Of course, my phone is always on if they need me – but I prefer to stay in the Antarctic bubble, get the job done, experience as much as I can, and reconnect with everyone once it’s over.
I miss my parents, siblings, friends – and most of all, my nephews and gorgeous niece. I can’t wait to give them all a big hug when I get back. Until then, it’s snow and ice for the foreseeable future – and hopefully a sunrise in a few weeks.
Cheers,
Troy Harris - Plumber
