Aussies in Antarctica celebrate mid-winter with icy dip
Australian expeditioners in Antarctica have marked the winter solstice with a traditional dip in sub-zero waters.
There are 86 expeditioners currently spending winter at Australia's three research stations in Antarctica and on sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island.
Casey Station Leader Kyle Williams said midwinter was a significant milestone for expeditioners because it marks "hump day" in a long dark winter.
Australian expeditioners in Antarctica have marked midwinter with a traditional swim in sub-zero waters. Cliff Simpson-Davis
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"At this time of year at Casey research station, the sun only rises above the horizon for about 2.5 hours, which can be challenging for our small wintering team of 27 people," Mr Williams said.
"After we pass the winter solstice on June 21, the sun begins to climb higher in the sky and we slowly start to get more daylight hours."
Located further south than Casey, expeditioners at Mawson and Davis research stations are now living in constant twilight and darkness, with no sunrise for several weeks.
The pool is made by cutting through 80cm of icea. Cliff Simpson-Davis
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"A midwinter tradition at Australian stations is an icy swim," Mr Williams said.
"We created a 1.5 metre square pool by cutting through the 80cm thick sea-ice with chainsaws and other equipment.
"The water temperature proved to be a bracing -2C, and the air temperature of -9C really got us moving."
The water temperature was a balmy -2C. Cliff Simpson-Davis
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The swims are conducted under medical supervision and with safety equipment.
Other midwinter activities include a formal dinner and expeditioners giving each other home-made gifts.
Australian Antarctic Division Director, Kim Ellis, said the year since the last midwinter celebrations has seen "dramatic" changes for Australia's Antarctic Program to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Expeditioners on Macquarie Island headed straight for the ocean. Alexander Correia
"We have been resilient and adaptive and kept all our research stations going strong and our expeditioners safe for another year," Mr Ellis said.
"Our people deployed south and their families are always in our thoughts. Midwinter is an opportunity to have some fun as we reflect on how far we've come and what is yet to be achieved."
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