The finding of Stay
Speaking of legends of the Australian Antarctic Program…only two weeks ago we brought you an Icy News story from Cliff Simpson-Davis (Cliffy) whose father had been an expeditioner here in 1968.
Cliffy has been an expeditioner since 2008 and has five winters and six summers under his belt. He has been to every Australian Antarctic station and has experienced pretty much everything this program can throw at you.
A man with a deep respect for tradition, culture and heritage, and someone who absolutely embodies the spirit of the expeditioner – it seems fitting that Cliffy found Stay. Cliffy understands what it is to put community before self, he keeps an eye on everyone and does all those out of sight jobs in the wee hours of the morning before anyone else gets up.
Stay, a fibreglass collection dog owned by Guide Dogs Tasmania, has been a mascot of the Antarctic program since 1991 and has also travelled to every Antarctic station. She represents the spirit of the expeditioner - the mischievous exploits associated with her far flung travels, the pride in acquiring her and spiriting her away to another destination. There is something about her that joins us all together.
A few years ago, while on Macquarie Island, Stay disappeared under mysterious circumstances and despite much effort could not be found. Guide Dogs Tasmania provided a successor, 'Stay 2' to continue her legacy.
Networks run deep in the program. A week or so ago, an expeditioner who was on island during the time of Stay’s mysterious disappearance contacted Cliffy. There were many rumours about what had happened to Stay but no-one was ever quite sure, so this expeditioner reached out to another expeditioner who he thought might know something. Lo and behold, some intelligence was shared about where she might be in the form of a map.
Cliffy and Duncan had a preliminary look which yielded nothing. The following morning Cliffy headed out with Bree and Will to the tussock grass between the Science building and West Beach. The area is full of deep seal-wallows that fill your wellington boots with muck if you don’t watch where you tread. Armed with lengths of orange conduit, the team spread out in a line and conducted a proper search, gently probing wallows as they went. In a moment of chance, Cliffy glanced sideways and there it was, a patch of green that didn’t quite match the green of the tussock above it. Excitedly the team headed over and discovered a green canvas post bag containing the much-missed Stay!
When Cliffy was asked how he felt in that moment he responded, “I still get emotional thinking about it”. He explained that there are so many memories tied up in that little fibreglass dog from Guide Dogs Tasmania.
“How can it end up becoming an icon for so many expeditioners for so many decades? She brings history and brings people together.”
He reflected on the morale boost that Stay has brought over the years and his gratitude that her discovery ends a mystery and brings closure to many.
The finding of Stay was a huge moment for the 78th ANARE, some people had tears in their eyes, and celebrations went into the night. The volume of messages received was testament to the meaning of this humble mascot.
Stay’s discovery highlights the importance of those things that bind us and forever make us part of the unique family of the Australian Antarctic Program. May we never lose sight of our heritage, traditions and sense of shared history with those who have gone before us.
P.S. Mystery still surrounds the location of Stay 2. For those in the know, perhaps you can help us to bring about a catch-up between these two canine characters. Cliffy is happy to receive your tip-offs…
Karen Pye, Station Leader
