Goodbye
I had intended to write some deep and meaningful piece about our incredible year here - because it truly has been magical beyond any expectation I may have had.
The place and the people have left a tattoo on my soul - and there those memories will live with me.
But as the end drew near and I looked to honour the past season, alas the time had run out. Things have sped up here in a complex operation, ripe with innovation, risk and excitement. Despite the arrival of the unexpected, a considered solution has been crafted by the incredible combined wits of everyone involved (thank you) - so any plan I may have had as I approached the conclusion of this season, has evaporated. I have written a lot before on my time here - and that will do for now.
Instead I share with you a couple of images of the moment where two expeditionary teams - mine and the new arrivals - breathed a sigh of relief in unison. The helicopters arrived to our shores, in place of the mighty MPV Everest - and with them the pointy end of a mammoth undertaking to resupply this incredible station and prepare the incoming wide-eyed expeditioners for an incredible season.
I wish the incoming station leader, Jason, the best. And hope nothing but excitement, joy and a safe year for the entire 74th ANARE. So long.
Now with an unshakable smile on my face, I look only forward to reuniting with all I love and missed back home. Namaste.
Matt Williams, soon to be former Station Leader of Mawson Research Station, Antarctica
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