The Midwinter solstice is a special occasion for those the travel South to Antarctica. It provides a mid-point for some expeditions, but more importantly, it marks the beginning of the return of the sun to the sky and, with it, the eventual return of the penguins, seals, and petrels! Last week's update described the invigorating Midwinter swim, which was well placed to prepare the team for the celebrations to come, having sent out many invitations to family, friends, colleagues, and even a few celebrities, in the hope that some may find a way to join us in our festivities. Unfortunately though, all we received were numerous apologies . . . describing how all the airlines had cancelled their flights, Uber was just charging too much for the 6,000km trip, and that they were not sure that their hang glider would find enough warm thermals to make it!
Nonetheless, the enjoyment of the day for the team must go on. The day itself was planned meticulously. Beginning with a filling brunch of bagels, sourdough, English muffins with eggs and hollandaise, smoked salmon, prawns, and oysters (just to name half the menu!), we knew that the day would not be one for dieting! After brunch, the traditional exchange of Midwinter gifts took place. Since the heroic age of Sir Douglas Mawson himself, such giving of gifts has been a much-anticipated part of the solstice celebration. The amazing creativity, skill, and effort of our team was demonstrated with a wide range of gifts. Many are made from reclaimed station waste - giving such materials a new lease on life and turning them into literal works of art.
For the afternoon, while the chef, Nick, was busy putting the final touches on weeks’ worth of preparation and effort, the team enjoyed a hallway game of ten-pin bowling and relaxing in the station spa. As the glow from the twilight left the sky, it was time to start getting dressed in our finest and gather upstairs for hors d'oeuvres. It wasn't long before the message was relayed to move down to the mess. The table had been laid out in resplendent glory. Flags of all the Antarctic Treaty signatory nations adorned the walls, and an avant-garde ice sculpture by Scottish was lit-up in the background. Finding our places - marked by handcrafted pewter medallions in wooden holders with our names - we took our seats. The following three hours were spent in blissful enjoyment of the feast that Nick had produced. With each of the team helping to serve and clear each course, each intermission was spent listening and watching messages from our friends and family. There was even a full - slightly eye-opening - production trying to describe why Melbourne was a better place to spend mid-winter. We also received a message from Wim Hof, famous for his ability to withstand extreme cold, providing us motivation for making it through the winter before us. To give you an idea of just how extensive and amazing the meal was, here is the menu:
Mawson 76th ANARE Midwinter's Menu
Selection of Crostini
Pork and Prawn Dumplings, Kaffir Lime Broth
Confit Duck Taco, Chipotle Aioli, Green Salsa
Beetroot and Pomegranate Sorbet
Duo of Lamb, Barley, Labneh, Eggplant, Jus
Muscovado Panna Cotta, Gingerbread, Sesame Crisp
and - to take away - a box of hand-made truffles and chocolates!
Finally, with our appetites completely sated, we returned upstairs to listen to the music of Mawson station’s latest band – the Antarctic Monkeys. Despite being their very first gig and having only a limited repertoire, the audience seemed to enjoy the performance, and there were many loud interjections to play ‘Seven Nation Army’ one more time! Many of the team stayed up late, dancing, singing, playing Jenga, and generally just enjoying the night. Thankfully the next day was a very reduced activity day, mostly committed to tidying up.
So, going forward into the rest of winter and the summer to come: To my team, you are Antarctic expeditioners, and I am so very honoured to have spent this Midwinter with such an amazing group of people. Please be upstanding – to us, the men and women of the Mawson 76th ANARE !
Cat (Mawson SL)
