Around 10 km up the hill from Casey we have a skiway which operates in the summer for Basler and Twin Otter aircraft that are used in the program. The A-319 and C17 use the Wilkins ice runway a further 60 km away. Aside from a regular visit by the aviation team to make sure that the buildings on sleds haven't blown away, the skiway is left winterised once the flying season is over. The skiway is linked to Station by a well formed road, or as we know it, the A-line. Travel off station is restricted to these defined routes, in order that we don't wander off into areas with unseen crevasses.
A couple of months ago now (in late April) a few of us caught a ride in a Hagg up to the skiway, to enjoy a nice stroll back down the hill to Station to enjoy the lovely afternoon light. It was a relatively mild afternoon , maybe minus 10C, and no wind.
Looking back over these photos as I write in the late morning darkness here in my room, reminds me of how beautiful and bright it can actually be out there. These days I almost find it impossible to take photos as my hands don't cope with holding a cold camera body for more than about 5 minutes.
We set out hauling our packs on sleds. The setting sun sinking and reappearing behind the clouds and playing on the forming sea ice was changing by the minute. I quickly fell way behind the group busily taking photos to try and capture the constantly changing light.
I made it back to station just in time to see the sun sink behind Reeves Hill producing the most specaticual sun pillar that I've seen down here so far.
I have posted these photos in order so that you can follow the journey through the changing light with me.
Enjoy
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| Selfie on the A-line. Photo: Jacque Comery |
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| Getting ready to go. (L-R) Misty, Sealy, Watto, Stu, Mark. Photo: Jacque Comery |
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| Leaving the skiway bound for Casey. Photo: Jacque Comery |
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| Jac at the Jacks sign. Photo: Mark Grainger |
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| Afternoon sun. Photo: Jacque Comery |
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| Survival pack on tthe sled. Photo: Jacque Comery |
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| Way point marker on the A-line. Photo: Jacque Comery |
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| Casey Station. Photo: Jacque Comery |
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| Golden afternnon light. Photo: Jacque Comery |
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| Shadows. Photo: Jacque Comery |
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| Caneline marker glowing in the setting sun. Photo: Jacque Comery |
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| Jac. Photo: Jacque Comery |
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| Cane. Photo: Jacque Comery |
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| Sunset behind station. Photo: Jacque Comery |
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| Station buildings basking in the sunset. Photo: Jacque Comery |
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| Sun pillar as the sun suns behind Reeves Hill. Photo: Jacque Comery |
