Work on the plateau and social life on station.

Ski landing area pack up

It was time for the beast to make its presence felt at Mawson. The beast in question is the Foremost Pioneer, a 1960s large oversnow cargo vehicle. ‘The Beast’ is powered by a 3306 Caterpillar engine driving wide steel and rubber tracks on an articulated frame. Its cargo carrying capacity is 15 tonnes and it comes equipped with a large Hiab crane.

This vehicle has, over the years, done excellent service in the Antarctic and there are plans for its replacement in future. Annually, the Pioneer is used for decommissioning the ski landing area (SLA) at Rumdoodle. The SLA at Rumdoodle is used by fixed winged aircraft after the SLA on the sea ice at Mawson becomes unusable due to melt. The Pioneer uses its Hiab crane to remove the poles secured in the ice marking the SLA limits. It also uses its cargo carrying capacity to return three sleds to Mawson, two carried on the tray and one towed.

The Pioneer made a stately 10 km/h to and from the SLA. A vehicle of this vintage must be driven with compassion and care. 

John L and Paul

The pioneer is at the top of the slope and onto the plateau for the long slow trip
removing poles that mark the edges of the Ski Landing Area
Cones marking the Ski landing area are removed with a blue Hägglunds in the background
Poles being removed with the North Masson Ranges in the background
Mawson station leader leaning up against the Pioneer working hard
The pioneer fully loased with 2 sleds on the tray and towing a sled of fuel drums
Above Mawson station at GWAMM with the sun setting in the background almost home

Whisky tasting and games night

Last Saturday was World Whisky Day so Mawson station decided to conduct a tasting with dinner followed by a games night. Linc arranged the tasting and worked with Kim, our chef, to match whisky to the menu. Types ranged from Scottish highland, lowland, single and blended, Irish and American bourbon.

After a kitchen clean up, expeditioners moved upstairs and the games arranged by John L and Evan began. The station was divided into teams of two by a ballot and competed in table tennis, table soccer, darts, quoits, carpet bowls and eight ball. After a fast and furious round robin, two teams were drawn for first place: Charlie/Peter and Kim/Angus. Judges decided that there would be a tie breaker. The first game of the playoffs was darts followed by quoits with Charlie and Peter coming out as clear winners. 

A good night was had by all.

John L and Paul

Main course of Barramundi coated in oatmeal topped with black pudding
Dessert death by chocolate
The station seated at the dinner table tasting the whiskies matched to each course
Played side by side is table soccer and darts
The look of concentration on the face while playing quoits
The smiling winners Charlie and Peter
on