Planes, people, mailbags and goodbyes
There are many indiciators of seasonal change. Longer days, wildlife returning, the Nuyina moving around the Southern Ocean, and for us at Mawson, the appearance of the first plane on the horizon is a sure sign that the months are passing by and times are changing.
The first plane arrived last Saturday (1st Nov) in between a run of poor weather which kept us guessing all the way until we saw it land. The flight across from Davis takes 2.5 hours to cover the 635 kilometres, and there are plenty of weather variables across that expanse for things to change. But for five hours the conditions remained stable and we were able to receive the first flight and have our first contact with 'new; people in 10 months. Doug and Angela from Kenn Borek Air touched down on the ever reliable Kista Strait sea-ice skiway and taxied their way towards the group of Mawson expeditioners waiting at the "It's Home, It's Mawson" sign on West Arm. As the engines wound down and came to a stop, the Twin Otter pilots doors flung open and a great Canadian greeting from Doug was heard above the noice of wind and machines.
The arrival marked a turning point for the wintering team of the 78th ANARE. We would farewell two expeditioners who had been with us since the start of our adventure, as they opted to pursue other life and career possibilites and take an early departure via V1 at Davis. Although sad that we couldn't all see the entire campaign out together, it's important to reflect on the duration of our expedition, which is nearing 12 months (Dec 10th 2024 we departed Hobart), and the great commitment each and every person has made to experience this amazing place and particpate willingly in this social experiment. Our departing crew of Tom and Mitch will always be part of our family and ever-present in our story telling, recollections of adventures and recounting amazing social occasions. We are all excited to see what their next chapters bring, as they are both great people with big and bright futures.
Now to the mailbags and the fresh fruit and veg delivery. The mailbag was like a massive Christmas gift giving exercise. Orders placed six months ago had been largely forgotten about until the package was opened and the new pair of socks fell out. So many new dart sets. Some Mawson merch and for some strange, but magical reason, we are now all rocking fancy wrap-around cycling glasses inspired by our electrcian, as seen in the Tour de France and as ordered and supplied by our Station Supply Officer. Never have so many uncool nerds looked so cool (and awkward). It's interesting only having two mailbags a year, as this builds the anticpation of what might appear when they get opened.
It's also hard to explain how amazing fresh fruit tastes after not having access to it for 6+ months. The sound and taste of that first bite into an apple, or the sweet flavours of that freshly peeled orange are simple pleasures. The crunch of the fresh carrot was also something I didnt expct to have as a memorable moment. I'll try not to take fresh food for granted again.
We look forward to greeting our incoming summer expeditioners over the coming weeks as multiple flights navigate the Antarctic weather and Mawson katabatic winds to top up our population, keep the program running and continue to be stewards of this important place.
Change is good. Seasons are dynamic. Time is moving on.
