Images and stories from 1990-1999
This is a compilation of images and sometimes information about the photos. If you would like to contribute or correct any of the information, please contact webmaster@anareclub.org.au
Photo by Ken Barrett.
Departing Fremantle, Western Australia, December 1995
It was 1995, when the Aurora Australis limped into Hobart leaking oil around the main shaft. Eventually she spent a week in dry dock in Fremantle before she could take us South for the Season.
Welcome to Davis, 1996
Field Training, Davis 1996
Before you’re allowed out into the field, everyone must complete a few days learning to survive in the field.
The Field Huts of Davis 1996
In and around the Vestfold Hills, Davis, are Field Huts. These are used by Scientists and Researchers during the Summer as a base and used as a weekend getaway during the Winter.
The Riviera of the South, Davis 1996
When the Summer sea ice is out, there is plenty of water activities in and around Station. We also need to help with supporting the Science Field staff who may be located on an island or up a Fjord, or just venturing out to a visiting ship.
A summer view
Polar Bird in the Bay
The pontoon wharf being returned to ship for the end of season
Work boat around the islands
Barges are used for cargo and passengers
Zodiacs are a mainstay around the Summer
An ice axe and a rubber boat are not a good combination, hey Jimmy
Getting a bit colder and the dry suits serve their purpose
Ice skating on Watts Lake, Davis 1996
When you’ve finished work for the day, a great way to explore the lake areas, just be mindful of the thickness.
Dress night, Davis 1996
It started when the last ship left after the Summer and one of the women thought it would be a nice idea to wear a dress for Saturday night dinner. We agreed, it would be a nice idea to wear a dress to dinner!
Movie Theme, Davis 1996
As with all great adventures, I think the first Mission Impossible movie was released during the year and there was a competition to create a suitable pose for the competition.
Road clearing at Davis, 1996
Helping with Science, Davis 1996
Helping with Science. We drilled through the sea ice in Ellis Fjord, but it was a bit thicker than we thought. We got there eventually and took samples.
Home brewing, Davis 1996
To keep the Summer stocks flowing, we would put brew a few litres at a time, and then retire to the bar to sample some of the past accomplishments.
Midwinter group photo, Davis 1996
Midwinter Dip, Davis 1996
Hmmm, It didn’t seem a big problem until the P.I., Brian Griffith, approached me and asked how we intended to get the ice blocks out of the hole we were going to cut for our dip. He suggested, as we did, to go there a few days before and drill a couple of 150mm holes in the ice and drop a chain in each. This froze into place over the next few days, so with chainsaw in hand we cut two large ice cubes. Then with the help of the forklift, we were able to pick up the ice cubes by the chains. Scooped out some slushy ice forming, dropped in a ladder (which we covered with gaffa tape, in case our skin stuck to the aluminium) and experienced the sensations of a swim at the Riviera of the South!
Comms Room as it was, Davis 1996
Comms have changed over time. Computers were starting to make their way on station where anyone bringing a PC would need to plug into the network with a $110 special Ethernet cable. We had 2 x 64Kb circuits over the satellite (one for science experiments and one for everyone to share). As well as these we had five telephone lines over the satellite and a NEC PABX on each station. Each donga had their own telephone.
The radio console provided the interface for several radios to be controlled and switched at the one point. There were several radios to be monitored including VHF for around station through to HF radios for out of way huts and air-ground comms with long range helicopter flights. The repeater at Tarbuck Crag was to extend the range of the VHF radio network to cover the better part of the Vestfold hills.
Zhongshan 1996
Kapitan Khlebnikov 1996
Being the Riviera of the South, the Kapitan Khlebnikov called in on their circumnavigation of the continent tour. A few of us volunteered as Tour guides around station and we were flown back to their ship for a quiet drink. we were later brought back to Station via their Zodiac as they secured their helicopter prior to departing.
Casey 1996
