This week at Davis: 22 May 2026

The KBA Challenge

The annual KBA Challenge once again brought out the competitive spirit at Davis Station, with expeditioners lacing up their boots, jumping on bikes and even tackling the climbing wall in support of a very special tradition.

The friendly inter-station event recognises the station with the highest participation and the greatest number of kilometres completed through human-powered exercise (with distances capped at 10km per person). More importantly, it honours the memory of the Twin Otter aircrew from Canadian-based Kenn Borek Airlines who tragically lost their lives in 2013, when their plane crashed whilst flying home after supporting the Australian Antarctic Program.

Pilots Bob Heath and Mike Denton, and engineer Perry Andersen, were deeply respected members of both the Davis Station family and the wider Antarctic community.

Davis expeditioners enthusiastically took part at the end of January by running, walking, cycling and even climbing their way to an impressive total of 499.1 kilometres, with 47 people joining in.

Now, here’s where things get interesting. Rumour has it that Casey Station somehow “lost” their participation numbers… and, in a completely unrelated development, the KBA trophy also appears to have mysteriously vanished from Casey. Coincidence?

Fortunately, the good people of Davis weren’t about to let a little trophy disappearance stand in the way of celebrating a well-earned victory. A brand-new replacement trophy — a replica Twin Otter aircraft — has already been ordered and is due to arrive on Voyage One later this year, returning the honour to where many believe it rightfully belongs.

~Gavin Melgaard

Ski Trip to Rookery Lake Apple

Spending winter at Davis Station brings no shortage of opportunities to get out and explore, and last weekend Matt, our Plant Operator, and I set out on an overnight ski trip across the frozen sea ice to Rookery Lake Apple.

An “Apple” is a small fibreglass refuge hut, just large enough for two beds, and this one sits on a small island north of Davis. With temperatures sitting at a relatively mild -16°C and after a hearty brunch to fuel the journey, we packed our sleds with supplies and set off across the sea ice.

The 13-kilometre ski took around three and a half hours, weaving our way through icebergs frozen into place across the landscape. We arrived at the Apple just before sunset, as the last light faded across the icy horizon. As darkness settled over the frozen horizon, we were treated to a spectacular display of aurora lights dancing across a sky filled with stars, an unforgettable Antarctic experience.

The next morning, we waited for the first glow of sunlight to appear above the horizon just before 11am, then made our way to a nearby summer penguin rookery. There, we confirmed the presence of a monitoring camera, contributing in a small way to ongoing scientific research.

By early afternoon we were back at station, tired but grateful for the experience. Trips like these are a reminder of the unique beauty, isolation and quiet magic of Antarctica in winter — memories that stay with you long after the journey ends.

~Gavin Melgaard