In fear of repeating ourselves… another busy week had by all at Casey.
The station has successfully completed two more sessions of survival training, a field travel training session, support to a C-17A flight which, to much excitement, bought our terra bus to the great white continent (see Jason’s article below), and has just finished a huge effort supporting the 'Name our Icebreaker’ prize flight. (Photos to be put up next week, and as seen on the Today Show yesterday).
The JKB Basler has arrived at the ski way, entering the Australian Antarctic Program, after a long hop south from Canada. They'll soon hop across to Davis to work with the team there for a month before returning to us in later December to work on the ICECAP II project.
Our infrastructure and mechanical team have continued to kick goals, with building in the east wing of the red shed (living quarters) proceeding apace. We're hopeful the first people may be able to take residence by early December. We've also had the plumbers engaged in some unpleasant sewage treatment work in the red shed — for which we give them a huge public word of thanks!
With all that work, we've also had some time for some recreation…taking last opportunities before closure of the ‘sea-ice season’ to get out and experience the amazing ice landscape (and visit the penguins). A group of expos ventured from the Casey wharf to Shirley Island and back to see the station and Reeves Hill from a different perspective on Saturday. They were lucky enough to have some penguins to guide them and a couple Weddell seals to chat with on the way.
The Casey ski loop inductions also commenced on Saturday, with many taking advantage of the nice weather to try out the cross country skis (some for the first time, which may have resulted in some aching muscles the next day).
Next week…no flights for a change…what will be do with ourselves?
Rebecca (station leader).
