This week at Mawson: 23 June 2023

As a young boy, I always had one goal first and foremost: getting to Antarctica.

It is there amongst my earliest memories, talking to my folks, eagerly wanting to visit (although my mother always wanted me to be a pilot so I could fly her to Antarctica to see the whales!).

Perhaps it is connected to my teachers saying it would be unachievable for me.

As a young fellow, I was not academically inspired until I became a plumber when my number one focus became to achieve what I needed. It was by becoming a plumber that allowed me to come down and fulfil this long-life dream!!

And now I’m here! All expectations I had of this lovely place have all been well and truly exceeded.

The excitement is not dulling. From getting on the ship back in Hobart, experiencing stormy weather on the Southern Ocean, walking amongst resident seals and penguins, to whom was here at Mawson to greet our arrival, and the fantastic oceans of green that the aurora australis brings of a night. The camaraderie, workmanship, dependency, and friendships that everyone here on station has for one another are incredible! My dream to come to Antarctica to live and work is complete! To be the custodians of plumbing and to allow and support the research and science that gets undertaken here.

I am from a small little town in Tasmania called Snug, where I have two beautiful children. Every time I talk to them, they go, “Hey, Dad, how are the penguins?”, “Can I have a penguin?”, “Do you live with the penguins?”, “I miss you Dad, and the penguins” – so naturally, all they would like is photographs of penguins!!

I am having an absolutely great time! This experience is so unique, and I value how lucky I am. I am honoured to be working and living the literal dream! All in support of science.

I look forward to trying my luck down on this amazing continent again.

Jess (Mawson Plumber)

This week at Mawson has been one of downs and ups! After quite a stretch of - frankly - fantastic weather for the station, we were all set to conduct our midwinter swim on Saturday. Equipment was checked, plans put in place, but wait - what is that on the weather forecast? Wind and snow?! With a sigh, we went to bed, knowing that the next morning would be full blizzard weather. We were certainly not disappointed.

Over three days, the wind and snow reduced visibility and plunged the station into red conditions (when movement conditions are red, we only leave the building in pairs and radio in before leaving and after departure so that we know that everyone arrives safely). At one point on Friday, the wind gusted above 170km/h! Even when visibility cleared on Sunday, the winds remained well above 70km/h, further delaying any chance to carefully subject ourselves to the icy waters of Horseshoe Harbour. We took the opportunity, while the winds were still strong but visibility was good, to check the station and clear the snow that had been forced by the blizzard through any tiny gaps. Hägglunds vehicles filled with snow were brought inside to melt; piles of snow were shovelled out of our satellite dish dome; and blocked air intakes to the powerhouse and other buildings were carefully cleared.

Finally - with the forecast promising easing conditions, we set our plans in motion to conduct the swim on Tuesday - just one day before the official winter solstice. With temperatures sitting around minus 15 degrees and winds a nice mild (for Mawson) 30km/h, our mechanic Alex, plant operator Greg, and plumber Jess got to work on cutting a 2m by 3m hole through the metre thick ice of the harbour. Fifteen expeditioners put their hands up to take the icy plunge. All the team, though, were involved in one way or the other with duties such as observer, harness attendant, ice clearer, medical assistance (just in case) or photography and video to ensure the few seconds of immersion were suitably captured for posterity (and perhaps a few exclamations that can not be printed here!).

Gathering to change in the wharf hut, each expeditioner made the walk down the wharf and out onto the ice in varying states of swimwear attire - from Scottish tartan through to Queensland bikini. Getting harnessed to a safety rope and ensuring gloves and footwear were on to protect ourselves from the cold ladder, we each stepped gingerly down into the water. For the most part - we all found that part surprisingly okay, possibly due to the water being only minus 1 degree compared to the cold of the air and breeze. However, the cold hit after a few seconds in the water, and especially after those of us brave (or silly) enough to put our heads under. Some were out in five seconds, while others, such as Alan, who have been practising methods of control such as that from Wim Hof, lasted a good thirty seconds plus. It was then a chilly brisk walk back to the hut to stand by the heater for a bit to warm up, dry out, and get back into our now very welcome Antarctic clothing.

Overall, the day was well enjoyed, and we were happy to have subjected ourselves to the shock of the cold Antarctic water as a tradition of those that over-winter in Antarctica.

Cat (Mawson SL)