From December 2023 until May 2024, I’ll be stationed in Antarctica, undertaking my job as an electrical maintenance technician, an ‘ordinary job in the most extraordinary place on Earth’.* Working for the British Antarctic Survey at the Rothera Research Station, situated on the Antarctic Peninsula. I’m endeavouring to fulfill a personal photography goal. Capturing a daily snapshot of life in the southernmost region. Through this project, I hope to document the rollercoaster of working and living life down south. *Stated by BAS in the job advertisement.
Heading Into Antarctica
18/12/2023
3 flights later and i have found myself in Punta Arenas,Chile – from here we await a weather window to make the final crossing to Antarctica.. Pictured is onboard the DASH 7 that BAS operate to ferry passengers to and fro the continent…Surprisingly comfortable.
Training in the Polar Environment
19/12/2023
Upon arrival we are flooded with information and the compulsory training one needs to survive and enjoy life in the polar environment…Pictured is most peoples favourite Antarctic vehicle – the Piston Bully.
Point Penguins
20/12/2023
Adjacent to base we have the ‘point’ an area we can take leisurely strolls or more intense runs around the circumference of the ‘ASPA’. Here we can come across many different types of wildlife, this evening was particularly good for penguins and seals enjoying the calm,midnight sun.
Golden Hour Fuchs
21/12/2023
The eternal glow of the 24hr sun here makes for some of the best photos’ – Pictured on the way back to my accommodation is Fuchs Building – full of character and home to the field guides on station
Reptile Ridge
21/12/2023
Reptile Ridge hangs ominously over station – It has listings on UKclimbing and many people have completed it over the years, fingers crossed i get a chance at some Antarctic mountaineering
Midnight Point Walks
22/12/2023
The endless light here makes it difficult to abide by sensible bed times – When the conditions are calm, the sea and land is teeming with wildlife and people always found into the early hours just watching the world go by.
Recreation Boat Trippin’
23/12/2023
When the Marine Team aren’t out doing science or being on rescue for incoming aircraft it’s possible to get out om recreational boat trips – This afternoon i was fortunate enough to do two trips,back to back! An awesome introduction to the area i’ll be calling home for the foreseeable.
The Commute
24/12/2023
Each commute is blowing me away – by commute I confess to about a 300m walk with awe inspiring views of icebergs,mountains,the south atlantic and endless wildlife!
Some Chef’s
25/12/2023
A candid shot of Ellis and Jacob on the kitchen mezzanine – Pre Christmas chaos!
Dive Officer Jono
26/12/2023
Jono up at Vals for some downhill ski action – Jono is the Dive Officer and will be wintering here at Rothera! you can follow his Antarctic adventure here https://www.instagram.com/jono_antarctica/?igsh=YzVkODRmOTdmMw%3D%3D
Golden Hour Antarctica
27/12/2023
Golden hours actually lasts a whole lot longer than most places – 24hr light allows for endless shots like this… this picture was taken at 130am after Rawdoggin’* some dinner leftovers with the ‘late night contingent’.
* Rawdoggin refers to the action of devouring food at ungodly hours and is a common thing that happens down here.
Brewing Time
28/12/2023
A snowsports and tea seeking adventure to the Caboose… the small hut based at Vals Ski Recreation Area – Featuring a Primus stove for boiling water – simple and effective – Bombproof.
Humpbacks are back
29/12/2023
A fine dingle day inn Antarctica and I was fortunate enough to get out on a science trip on the boat – We spectated humpback whales after collecting many water samples for scrutiny.
CTD Science Trip/Competition
30/12/2023
As station staff we are able to partake in science and help out on working boat trips – I managed to get on a CTD trip and catch some Whales in the bay! A truly magical moment. The science involved hand winching instruments weighing 16kg from 500m depth.. this naturally has turned into a timed competition – I managed 15m02s and found myself in third place!
Antarctic New Years Eve
31/12/2023
New Years Eve was full of fun and joy, we had live music in the bar and an extended DJ Set until the early hours – we all visited the Memorial Cross at midnight to count in the New Year with a dram and/or glass of prosecco.
An Antarctic New Year Start
01/01/2024
A New Year commenced with the arrival of the RSS Sir David Attenborough Ship… this came with a huge cargo relief and refuelling process to supply the station for the foreseeable.
Seals
02/01/2024
The station is home to many seals and different types pass by!
Shags
03/01/2024
Many birds also frequent Rothera! Skua’s to Shags to Antarctic Terns!
Steve
04/01/2024
‘IT Steve’ doing IT things. *Albeit not at a desk*
Shades of Cool
05/01/2024
‘Antarctica is just white’
Through the rock
06/01/2024
Visibility and range of sight in Antarctica is on a colossal scale.. just looking it through a different perspective changes everything.
A Twin Otter Flyby
07/01/2024
Runway closures due to resurfacing has made for some awesome Skiway landings and take offs- Here’s pilot David doing a runway inspection and obligatory wing wave.
Icicles
08/01/2024
Snowmelt around the point forms huge icicles!
Playtime
09/01/2024
Penguins frollicking in the Antarctic Surf…
Humpbacks!
10/01/2024
Thriving in the cold!
The Ice Wall
11/01/2024
Facing the ‘Ice Wall’ of Rothera
Summer Melt…
12/01/2024
Summer is in full swing – the sun shines and the snow melts.. station has really transformed in the month of me being here.
Golf Ball Berg
13/01/2024
The texture of the ice is beyond mind-blowing…everyone one so individually unique.
Reptile Ridge
14/01/2024
Looming over station, Reptile ridge lies above
Antarctic Air
15/01/2024
3 Ken Borek Planes transit here.. on their way north
Moody Skies
16/01/2024
A big day of snow dump…the first since getting here
Nansen Sledges – From the ‘Good ‘ol Days’
17/01/2024
The original sledges still used by BAS , Renown for their reliability
Darkness creeping amongst us
18/01/2024
The eternal summer will not shower us in sunlight forever- we lose about 6 minutes of light each day
Evening Flying Programme
19/01/2024
Most flying is completed during 24hr daylight – here’s the dash coming in just as darkness arrives
Fur Seal’s & Runway Incursions
20/01/2024
Rothera is a haven for local wildlife – often curious
Field Mechanics
21/01/2024
Our fleet of ski doos require endless maintenance – even in the most remote of locations…
Caboose Life
22/01/2024
Endless afternoons spent up at Val’s – away from station and endless construction
Nordic Slay
23/01/2024
Some pictures need no words…. Me and Tash – ‘Smoldering’
Too Good Not To Share
24/01/2024
Chocolate,Crisps and biscuits are the currency of life down at Rothera…
An Antarctic Memoir 