This week we take a look at one of the Mawson diesel mechanics and some recent station happenings

Mawson snippets

This week  the skies cleared and the wind dropped to the usual 20 to 30 knots. Which meant we could get back outside to those tasks that were side-lined through the blizzard of last week.

One of the most important tasks was to get up the wind turbine to replace parts and get that operational again. We go through much more fuel without this useful, if tempramental  power producer.

Clearer skies also mean a return to positioning cameras for nocturnal event capture - photographing more auroras!

One of the station utes parked under the wind turbine at Mawson station yesterday
A view of Mawson station, the ice plateau and the Framnes Mts behind from Welch Island
Looking out at the winter colours of sunset from the workshops at Mawson station recently
Snow still in the air as the winds settle and we see our new bliz tail from the Red shed to the workshops this week at Mawson station
Aurora Australis from Bechervaise Island near Mawson station recently
Braiden models two tiny pig tails

A nearly 30-year-old diesel mechanic's perspective at Mawson

Post-blizzard, post-airdrop that delivered the post, pre-midwinter, and a birthday ushering in a new decade for our neighbourhood mechanic.

This week we delve into the life of a mild mannered and humble Braydo. Although some would say the description of the Braydozer is subjective I would also sum up his style as colourful and honest. Don’t take his shortened answers to the hard-hitting questioner as a lazy attempt to appease those who asked him to complete it. On the contrary, Braiden has the mind of a tack, sharpened tack ready to attack.

Let’s meet our social butterfly and see how he flies.

Name, title and season?

Braiden James Richards, Mawson 2024

Where do you call home?

Perth W.A

Why did you choose to work in Antarctica?

I like working in cold climates, because that’s where the pow is.

What is your position on station?

Diesel Mechanic

What was your favourite subject in school?

Metal Work

If you could pick a superpower to have, what would it be?

Teleportation

First music concert you went to?

Amity affliction

If you could eat only one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Italian herbs and cheese bread subway, 12-inch steak and cheese, with onion, olive, spinach, capsicum on chipotle sauce.

What projects are you intending to start down here on station?

Doing ‘Everything that can be done on Station’ is my project

What are some surprising things about your job in Antarctica?

How many other jobs you do outside of your job title.

If you could add another question to this cutting-edge piece of award winning prose, what would it be?

Where are you going on holiday after this?

Motorbike trip through Kazakhstan. Very nice

Braiden Richards (on the right), Bridget Muldoon and Bryce Kennedy in a blue Hagglunds near Mawson station recently
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