Category: Antarctica

For seven years, from the mid 1980’s until the early 90’s, I worked at McMurdo Station, Antarctica. This is the Antarctica I saw working in a kitchen feeding 1200 people in summer, and 200 in winter. Antarctica records the tics and quirks of a world of compulsion – military personnel were sent without choice – and abdication. For many civilians it was an exile of ready money and fled responsibilities. It’s not completely truthful. Some of what occurred is so bizarre as to be not credible and has been omitted. This is one person’s story. It’s not a film. It’s a series of still photographs. The first three posts are scene setting. Because we were all very young – names have been changed – youth provides both an excuse and explanation for what later may cause cringe. Anyone who was there will recognise these obvious contrivances.

Posted in Antarctica

Teeth Marks

Posted on by tq1695

6 degrees of separation
2 degrees in New Zealand
everybody knew someone on the aircraft
a scenic flight deceived by a trick of polar light
flat light flattened the horizon – to infinity
they never saw Mount Erebus
257 dead. No survivors.

The doctor said everything was fine
and gave me two forms.
One for the laboratory
one for the dentist.

The dental surgeon hummed while he worked
signed the paper with a flourish
cheerfully flippant about his expertise
“ this is in case you become a smear on Mount Erebus.”

For the story behind a story click Backstage

Posted in Antarctica

Mercenary

Posted on by tq1695

Everybody dreams
of the lottery win
of stratospheric soar of stock
the exuberant handstand of fate
changing nose pushed against shop window
to gold credit card.

Antarctica.
Generous remuneration
gratis living expenses
closed shop.
Catch 22
only those who have gone
get to go
except with help from the inside.

Robert, thirty something – about to be 40
friendly enough
but always trying it on
with much younger women.
We called him the rampant penis – no affection or envy
old enough to be their old man
and to know better. I thought him a fool.

The interviewer looks at the application form
noting the small town address and probability I knew Robert
“he’s been with us a few years now.”
I enthuse in affirmative
“a great guy
I have a lot of time for him.”

For the story behind a story click Backstage

Posted in Antarctica

Pen Portrait

Posted on by tq1695

Ross Island
portal to the South Pole.
Scott and Amundsen arrived in 1910
departing to footnote and immortality
adventurers seeking glory for ego and country
science a hitchhiker contributing to the costs.

In 1956 science was in the driver’s seat
chauffeuring International Geophysical Year
and the United States into a permanent presence
bringing the Navy for logistics.

Food becomes rations
catering henceforth messing
transport rechristened pax movements
cargo ops – formerly freight.

IGY finished in 1958
science stayed on
so did the Navy
contracting out less glamorous functions.

Want to go to Antarctica?
Sure do.
Want to earn good money?
Sure do.
1200 people fed in 90 minutes
three times a day
pot washing for eight hours at a time.
Are you up to it?
Sure am.

For the story behind a story click Backstage