Anchorage Island

During the week Trev, Glen H, Matt and I went for a walk over to Anchorage Island to watch the sunset. Unfortunately, when we climbed up the top, we saw that the horizon was covered in a low band of cloud, meaning we weren't going to get a good sunset. But it was worth it anyway, as we got some good views of the area. We also got to check out the three crosses on top of the island, in memory of three of the expeditioners who have died here. The crosses are the first thing you are able to make out as the ship makes it's way towards Davis. And it has quite a sobering effect on you after 10 days of fun and games at sea. Not only are they a memorial, they also serve as a reality check - reminding you of the dangers of the environment down here.

Trev, Matt and Glen

But it's not all doom and gloom. Like I said, we had some fantastic views. The shot below is form the top of the island, looking back towards station. In the background you can see part of the Vestfold Hills, and further on is the Sorsdal Glacier. And the shot below this one is similar, just with one of the locals posing for the camera.

ANZAC Day

After the dawn service

ANZAC Day was celebrated here with a dawn service, conducted by Cookie. Good news is that dawn was just after 0930, so it wasn't an early start. I was helping out in the kitchen, so I was up early anyway. I made the ANZAC biscuits, while Tony and Paul were putting the finishing touches on the cake. And of course there was a game of two up.

Snack time on ANZAC Day

Bridges, Bread, BA and Bogans

We went out on Friday to finish off the surveying on Heidemann Bay. All was good until we finished the job and decided to head home. Problem was, the tide had come in, creating a moat between us and the shore. We couldn't cross back where we left the ute, or anywhere at all for that matter. We had two choices - sit and wait for the tide to go down (it was still half an hour till high tide) or walk back around to station over the sea ice to see if we could get across. We decided to walk back to station. When we got there, we were faced with the same conditions. By this stage, a few of the guys on station had heard our radio chatter, so they knew what was going on. Enter Glen H with a pair of ten foot steps to use as a bridge. Once we tied the sleds down and found a safe place to set up, it was just a matter of scooting over the ladder to get to shore.

Glen, you're my hero!

I went back the next day to get the sleds, and it was a matter of walking straight across the ice (with boot chains on). The tide had gone down, and the shore line had frozen over again. The power of the tide is really amazing, considering the tonnes and tonnes of ice that it can move around seemingly at will. It was also a reminder that the sea ice really is floating beneath our feet no matter how solid it feels.

Frozen over once again

On Saturday morning I had a bit of spare time, so I went into the kitchen to help Tony out. I have found that I really enjoy making bread, so I made the bread and the rolls for the weekend. Now I think he wants me to do it all the time.

Fresh straight out of the oven

Thursday afternoon saw us get re-acquainted with some of the fire fighting gear during a training session. As most of us haven't had to pull on a BA (breathing apparatus) mask since the training back in Hobart, we all had a go. What some of the guys and I realised was that it is a bit harder to get a seal on your mask with a beard. But this is what the training session was all about.

Yogi and I - self portrait

But the highlight of the week would have to be last Wednesday night's dinner. Whilst checking out the Herald Sun website for news from home I stumbled across a bloke who's Fitzroy restaurant has started selling "Bogan Burgers". I printed the article off and gave it to Tony, thinking he would just laugh and throw it out - but no, he made us Bogan Burgers, bless his cotton socks. A Bogan Burger consists of a piece of steak, followed by a slice of cheese, a chicken schnitzel, a potato cake, egg, bacon and onion (optional pineapple and beetroot, which I didn't have) topped with tomato sauce and served with chips. Most of us got through the whole thing, and one bloke even going back for more chips. It was so big, I made the decision not to wipe my hands or face until after I had finished the whole lot, or it would have had to happen after every bite. Most did the same. It was disgusting and wrong, but so, so good!

Bogan Burger

Not a good day at work...

Contrary to popular belief, we actually do work down here. Today Jason, Matt and I had the enviable task of replacing one of the pumps in the SMQ sewer tank. Because Jason had the job of getting into the grease pit (and cause it was his birthday) it was my turn to pull the waders on and climb into the tank to disconnect the old one and position the new one. Not a terribly good job, but one that had to be done and the good news is now it's done and dusted.

I certainly didn't see this in the brochure!!

On a side note, how good is the beard coming along? Should be looking good by Mid-Winters, and really good by the time I get home. And as for the hair, I haven't had it cut since the boat ride down, in the first week of December. It just really doesn't want to grow down here which is a good thing.

Another sunset and sunrise

OK, I know, here we go again. Another sunset and sunrise picture. But I just can't help myself. The colours down here are amazing, and I don't think it is just because of the lack of other colours in the environment. I figure I am lucky enough to be seeing these amazing sights, and I want to show them off, so I hope you guys aren't getting sick of seeing them.

Sunrise Friday 13 April, looking past the Helihut (left) and the EVS (right)

Sunset Saturday 14 April, looking out over the sea ice

Bloody fire alarms!

We have had an interesting few nights here this week. It all started at 2300 on Wednesday night when the fire alarm went off. I was still awake reading my book when it went off, and the best thing was I was still fully dressed in my work gear so I was ready to respond. I was the first one to the muster point in the LQ foyer, and it was quite fun to see everyone making their way down. As they were coming over the stairs, I was giving running commentary- "You were asleep, you were asleep, you were awake, and you were definitely asleep!" Anyway I thought it was pretty funny. Till the next night. Thursday night it went off again (after also going off during the day), but this time it was 0330, and everyone was asleep. Trying to get your brain instantly into gear is not all that easy. I thought I had done a good job getting dressed and down to the foyer, I had even managed to put undies on (it was a line ball decision - do I save myself 5 seconds by not wearing any? In the end I went for warmth), which can't be said for everyone. Then when it was all over and I got back to my room, I realised I had them on inside out. Ah, close enough. The worst part about a night time alarm is that it is really hard to get back to sleep afterwards. There were a few tired people on Friday morning.

Another sunset

I guess I just can't help myself. I took this one tonight, and I liked the way that it turned out. The sunlight being picked up on the lens created this illusion. I thought it was cool, and had to show you guys. I would have had more, but my batteries went dead. I'm sure there will be more to come...

Happy Easter

Here's some good news - the Easter bunny found us all the way down here. Late last night, or early this morning, we had a visit from our very own wascally wabbit. Outside each bedroom door was a small bowl of eggs. I'm positive that everyone opened their door with a smile this morning. Thank you, mystery rabbit, your gesture was much appreciated!

Early morning photos

I have taken a load of sunset pictures, so I decided it was time to start taking sunrise pictures. It's quite easy at the moment as I don't have to get up early to do it. Sunrise is at about 0900, which is quite a civilised hour for photography really. Currently, our days are getting shorter by about 11 minutes a day!

Now, this isn't exactly a sunrise picture, but I like the way that the first rays illuminate the big berg, whilst giving the smaller ones a blue tinge. I also like the optical illusion of the bergs floating above the ice.

Whilst taking photos from the wharf, I looked down and saw on of the seals in one of the breathing holes. This allowed me to get some close up shots. This big bloke couldn't have cared less that I was taking his photo.

An elephant seal having a breather

There aren't too many of the ellie seals left now that the ice has started to grow. We are down to less than 50, and by the end of the month they will all be gone for the winter.

Surveying Heidemann Bay

I learnt a new trick on Saturday - how to drive a theodolite. A theodolite is the thing that surveyors use to take measurements and levels over large distances. What we were doing was gathering information for an accurate chart to made of Heidemann bay. We were taking depth measurements of the bay at 50m intervals and I had the job of making sure the measurements were in a straight line, and at 50m apart (or very close to it plus or minus 0.05m). At the right points, a hole was drilled through the ice and the depth was measured and recorded. Then a GPS mark was taken for later transfer. A thorough chart of Heidemann bay has never been done before, and the data we are providing will be used to make a new chart, so it will be pretty cool to see it when it is finished, knowing that we did it (the difference between a map and a chart is that a map is on land, a chart is on the water). At the same time, we were measuring the thickness of the sea ice on the bay, which has froze to about 300mm thick. We are only about one third way through, so we are heading back out again tomorrow to do some more.

Me using the theodolite

Out on Heidemann Bay, dragging some of our gear around

Magazines

This month's edition of Bicycle Victoria's magazine. "Ride On", features someone we all know and love - me! A few of us (two from Davis and one from Casey) were asked to be involved in a lead up article for "ride to work day" which is in October. They were looking for some quirky ride to work stories. I believe there will be a follow up article around October to coincide with ride to work day.

I am also currently working on some responses for an article in a national careers magazine called "The Station", which is aimed at school leavers to give them some idea of where different jobs can lead you. This one won't be out for a few weeks though.

I hope everyone has a safe, happy and fun Easter, especially those going to Mornington races on Sunday!

On the sea ice

During the week, the some of the guys went out onto the sea ice to take measurements to see if we could start getting out on the ice. The minimum depth of ice for travel on foot is 200mm, and the measurements came back at 210mm. Cookie made the decision to "open" the sea ice, but with the precaution of only opening the area directly in front of station. A few have tried a bit of skiing, but the ice is too slushy for any decent results. Mostly we have been heading out for a bit of a walk. And waiting for the depth to reach 400mm, so we can get the quads out on the flat stuff!

Me on the sea ice in front of station

While we are enjoying the growing ice, it isn't such good news for the elephant seals wallowing on shore. If they can't find an easy way through the ice near shore, they are forced to make the trek over the ice till they find a way in. What that has resulted in is the seals leaving "snail trails" heading out to sea for well over a kilometer.

No, he's not moving backwards - he has turned around to check us out

The guys (they are all male) still wallowing are now in various sizes, from pups only months old, to some very grumpy old buggers. The one thing that they have in common though is that they smell pretty bad. They spend their days burping and farting (not unlike some of us really) and lazing around. Occasionally they get the urge to attack each other, but it doesn't usually last too long before they are sleeping on top of each other again.

One of the big lads, surrounded by a few pups

There are a few holes in the ice that the seals have managed to keep open. Even though the ice is 210mm thick, these guys have managed to punch breathing holes through, and keep them open enough to come up for air. It is quite cool to look out over the expanse of white to see a few of the ugly noses sticking up at various breathing holes.

Two seals using the same breathing hole

Now it should only be a few weeks till we can get the quads out. Today was quite warm (-1) compared to last week (-25), so we want the temperature to cool back down so the ice grows nice and thick, nice and quick!