Winter Over Blog #6 2016

It is mid-winter and I am standing on Pegasus runway waiting for the C17 flight. It takes a moment to realise that what appears as a low star on the horizon some 100km away is actually the plane. As it approaches on the first of its 2 test runs it looms overhead like a UFO and whispers past like a night owl. On each approach and the final landing all the ground lights are turned off so the pilot using night vision goggles can see (a very good thing).

The incoming plane

The expectant and reflective waitee

It is -45C and a perfect time to reflect on the experience that is Antarctica, plus it diverts the mind away from the cold. Along with the eagerly anticipated fresh fruit and vegetables, long awaited parcels.

The reveal

Along with parcels from home, parts and stores for repairs comes a very large box entitled ICE AGE.

This contains 2 costumes from the ICE AGE cartoon films – of which I am a fan.

The directive which Antony Powell (Scott Base’s resident filmmaker and photographer) is tasked with, in a series of story boards, involves making skits with members of the winter over team using these characters so no budget, no actors, and no time frame (unless now and immediately are time frames!).

The skits revolve around daily activities at Scott Base and how everyone needs to interact to make life down here function. Like 3 min showers, taking care with rubbish, being mindful of roommates and that food is for everyone and not inexhaustible supply esp the fresh food. (see the news release article attached .)

For those not familiar with Sid and Buck here are their pictures and profiles. Note picture is one I nicked off Antony Powell.

Sidney "Sid" is a ground sloth who is clumsy, annoying, slow moving, fast-talking, naive, clumsy, loyal and funny member with a good heart. little is known from Sid's life other than that Sid once lived in a tree with other sloths that always wanted to leave Sid behind when the migration occurred, using several different ways to leave him behind.

Buck (short for Buckminster) is a weasel .He is missing his right eye and wears a leaf as an impromptu eyepatch as well as having a scar on one of his ears and seems slightly insane (he claims that he woke up one day, married to an ugly pineapple) and is given to picking up and talking into rocks as if they were cellphones.

Behind the scenes

It turns out there are more latent thespians ( who knew) than first appears amongst the small winter over team so here are some pics of the behind the scenes look of Ice Age adventures at Scott Base, Antarctica.

Did I mention I am an Ice age fan  ----------------------Yep a big fan

Meeting the locals- Jase the mechanic – heaven help him

The controversial shower scene – good on you Andy.

Antz and the directors view

Meet Ursula the science tech – may have met your match there Ursula!

Lights camera action - meet Keith the chef

The how to don outside clothing when you are that tall - and I think Antz needed to stop laughing first before focusing the camera.