Next week (30th Oct-3rd Nov)

Next week I am out of the Division all week, I'm going back to school. The plumbers are heading out to Claremont TAFE for some trade specific courses, and as such won't be posting as often (if at all).

So don't be surprised if I don't update until the 6th of Nov.

Going now to put on my drinking shoes, big weekend coming up. Matt, Bec and Lisa are coming down tonight, Paul and Jennayer tomorow, so it should be a good one.

Take care!

Boating, days 4 & 5

One of two seals encountered on our boating course
Bruny Island coastline

We have had an absolute ball over the past week doing our boating course. So many highlights, but the lowlight was definately the swim in all the wet weather gear. One of our instructors is the regional manager of the S.E.S. and the other is in the search and rescue branch of the Tasmanian police, so we learnt a lot over the week. Today (Friday) we all sat the test to obtain our Tasmanian boating licences, so it wasn't all fun and games (but mostly it was!).

Boating Course, Days 1 & 2

High speed shenanigans

A cold self portrait, Day 2

A cold start for Day 2

Lunch, Day 1

Airwalk

From the Airwalk, where the Huon and Picton Rivers meet

From left-Matt, Budgie, Me, Glenn & Tony in front

Friday night was spent having a drink - surprise, surprise - and dinner at the Ball And Chain steakhouse. Most enjoyable. Saturday morning I wandered around Hobart again for a bit of shopping. I bought myself a pair of walking boots that cost $360 (after 20% discount) and they are the best shoes I have ever worn. To try them out we went on the rainforest airwalk which is about one and a half hours from Hobart. On the way back we stopped at a pub for a few refreshing ales, then went and played some pool for a few hours.

This morning (Monday) we did the fire extinguisher course, then found out I am doing the boating course for the rest of the week, so there should be some great photos coming your way later on.

Big Boys' Toys

Just a few pics from the loader training.

Accomodation List

The accomodation list went up today, and it turns out I have my own single room for the year. Over the summer I will be out in some of the temporary accom, but will be moving into the Sleeping/Medical Quarters (SMQ) by about February. I should have internet access (if not I will be buying a router) but possibly not a phone.

I just passed my forklift training, which will be recognised nationally, and tomorrow we start on the front end loaders - good fun!

Some "other" roles were assigned today, and I have been chosen as the editor for the Icy News, and also editor of the yearbook. It seems I served my apprenticeship on the Players Gazette so well I have been promoted from co-sub-editor direct to editor. When I come back Andy, I'll be asking for a pay rise!

Port Arthur

Well we made it down to Port Arthur today. The weather looked OK in Hobart, so we took a punt. Just as we pulled into the car park it belted down. After that it was on and off all day. The photos are of me on the cruise, and of the church from the Government Cottage. For those who haven’t been since 1996, the memorial to those who died is quite a solemn place for reflection.

After a refreshing ale at the Eaglehawk Neck pub we headed home, did some grocery shopping and I headed over to have dinner with a couple of the boys. Now I am looking forward to a week of forklift and front end loader training.

The casino will have to wait.

Market Day

Market day! I woke up this morning (seedy again, big pub crawl Friday night…) to the sounds and smells of the Salamanca market. Wandered down with Tony and Dave, spent a good couple of hours checking the place out. Discovered a new hangover cure – a chilli beef bratwurst in a soft roll with onions, mustard and sauce. Can’t wait till next Saturday. Highly recommend checking the market out if you are ever in town.

After the market, I signed up at the gym which is about 10m from my front door. After the week I’ve had I needed to join! Then we spent the afternoon walking all around Hobart, just exploring.

We went out to North Hobart for dinner. A word of advice, book in advance for this area. Even La Porchetta turned us away. Ended up scamming a table at a pub and had the best lamb shanks I’ve ever had. Only one glass of bourbon for me tonight, and I was in bed by 22.00.

Tomorrow a group of us are planning to head down to Port Arthur, weather permitting. Hopefully we get down there; I will add some photos if I can. If we don’t go, I think I’ll head to the casino for a look.

The First Goodbye

Wednesday night was the traditional send of for those travelling on Voyage 1. Some of the boys and girls on V1 were planning on being sickbefore even sailing. Must admit I gave it a bit of a nudge myself, waking up at 5.30 with the lights on, and fully clothed!

Yesterday was the work safely @ heights course, and a few of us were the worse for wear. We got off early to wave the ship off, sailing time was at 16.00. The photos show the Aurora Australis preparing to, and sailing.

Looking forward to wandering around Hobart tomorrow, seeing the sights.

First contact

Hello ladies and gentlemen,

Well I’m halfway through day two, and it looks like life here in Hobart is going to be good fun. Yesterday a few of us newbies ended up in a sort of induction program, but were pulled out after lunch; apparently we weren’t supposed to be there. It’s all a bit crazy here at the moment because Voyage 1 leaves on Thursday and everyone is focused on them. Wednesday night is the customary drinks session before a voyage sails, so that should be good fun.

So far I have met most of the wintering crew – our Station Leader (SL) Graham Cook, Chef Tony, the other plumber Jason, Plant Inspector (PI) Glen, carpenter Yogi (he worked with Phil Q when he went south), comms guys glen and Trevor, Trades Assistant Matt and the LIDAR operator Didier. I asked Didier what LIDAR was all about, within earshot of Graham (SL), and he came and physically pulled me away. Apparently the explanation Didier gives is very boring. In short it is a beam of light that shoots up into the sky and looks good in photos!!!

Today we had training on the computerised maintenance system we use down south (some of you may be familiar with it, MAXIMO). It was supposed to last all day, but was finished by lunch time. So now we are checking, and rechecking, our emails. Tomorrow we have an asbestos awareness course, Thursday it’s height and chemical safety, and Friday is construction safety. Things get really fun next week, with forklift and loader training all week.

For those of you who don’t know, I’m coming home on the 22nd November (wed), and will be back in Hobart on the 27th November (Monday). I am also going to be able to make it up to Brisbane for the pearl jam concerts! Make me up a bed Carly! The weekend of the 4th & 5th November I will be spending on the search and rescue training. Sailing date is still Monday December 1.

Now I’m going to fill out my alcohol order for the year. I am allowed to order up to 44 slabs, or the equivalent in spirits, or combination of both. At $17.60 for a 1.125l bottle of beam, I’m going to be nice and warm for the winter!

Cheers for now,
Brendan

**Note: Please don’t send me huge amounts of “joke” emails, especially ones with large attached files. Some carefully considered (i.e. not inappropriate) would be good but don’t add me to your send to lists. Thanks