In a way, it’s like an Antarctic hot tub!
Tom tells me the most difficult part about wintering in Antarctica is the challenging weather, which can change rapidly. High winds and fierce blizzards have a tendency to disrupt operations. He says there were a few times where he got out to the huts where many of the scientific samples were collected and a few times he had to stay there for a while before returning due to the conditions. What is typically a 10-minute walk could turn into an hour drive or worse! The bitter cold can also make work difficult, as metal often becomes brittle in the frigid temperatures and they even broke a drill while he was there!
When asked what his favorite part of Antarctica is, Tom says he cannot pick a favorite. He’s seen penguins and auroras, swam in the sea, experienced polar night, and had so many incredible experiences. And yet the beauty, the adventure, and the friendships forged at the bottom of the world are all equally part of what makes him come back for more. He is currently applying for more roles with the Australian Antarctic Division and hopes to return to another station (or voyage) after this one. What a life!
