From turtles to penguins!
As a chef I've had the chance to work in a few different countries – France, Germany, Ireland, Switzerland, Israel and Australia – for the past 20 years, but I never thought that I would make it to Antarctica. After applying for the third time (2013/2017/2024) I was lucky to pass again through all the selection processes but this time, did not finish in the reserve pool.
Instead, I had an offer for a wintering position as a chef at Davis Station. Amazing gift for my 60th birthday!
I really wanted to go to Macquarie Island for all the wildlife, however, Noel told me that Davis was the Riviera of the South and there was abundant wildlife there as well. I am really happy that I came to Davis Station, it was great advice.
After having spent six years on Lady Elliot Island (the most southern island on the Great Barrier Reef), I went from daily swimming with turtles, sharks and manta rays to walking on the sea ice and having the chance to observe penguins and seals. The temperature difference is an average of 30°C to 60°C between the two places!
After we arrived in late October and completed the necessary training, it was still possible to walk on the sea ice. I had the chance to walk multiple times to Gardner Island, where there was a colony of Adelie penguins and we were lucky enough to see them hatching. Lots of them were staying around our station as well. Weddell seals are around all year but spring and summer are the best time to spot them. We had up to 98 elephant seals just down the hill at our station beach and on the wharf.
It was absolutely amazing to be able to observe those large and intriguing animals as they go about their daily business for two months or so.
What a fantastic and incredible adventure that I will definitely never forget.
Claude Faullimmel - Chef
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