Recently arrived wildlife. The Elephant Seals have arrived on the beach in front of the station and a few kilometres to the west at the Old Wallow. This lone Emperor penguin was most likely looking for a place to molt.

Snorkeling off the wharf at Davis to test our equipment and procedures. Under that bright shiny dry suit we have on a layer of thermals, a layer of micro-fleece, another thick fleece jump suit type get-up plus two pairs of socks and two pairs of gloves. Comfy & warm! Me in my suit and Chris Gillies in the water.

Dinner on board the Chinese Antarctic ship the Xue Long (Snow Dragon). On Monday a few of us were lucky enough to get choppered out to the visiting Chinese ship, the Xue Long, for dinner and a tour. Great food, very gracious hosts and a stunning evening to be on the water.

Views of walking in the Vestfold Hills behind Davis station. Looks like the moon dotted with lakes, some still frozen on the surface.

A close-up of Odontaster validus, the starfish in the underwater photo in my last post.

Wading in Ellis Narrows to collect sea urchins and a shot of the habitat from which we were collecting.

The Rauer group of islands to the south of Davis.

The Sorsdal Glacier

Photos from the last week of sampling on the sea ice via helicopter. Another week of spectacular scenery!

Some images from the sea ice - the sea ice is still solid around station and we're using it to access sites and do field training. Adelie penguins are ever present and curious and there are lots of Weddell Seal pups around.

Fred - this Antarctic Skua hangs out around station trying to pick up food. Whenever we take rubbish bags outside they have to be put in a covered ute or he rips open the bags and spreads rubbish everywhere.

Views from the air around Davis. This one hour helicopter ride to get familiar with the local area was one of the highlights of my time in Antarctica. Spectacular views.

The Aurora parked in the fast ice off Davis and some local bergs in the afternoon light.

Pancake ice and berg.

Rough seas

Sunset marking the last calm seas a few days out of Hobart.

Arrived at Davis Station

Hi All,

Finally arrived at Davis a week late after thick sea ice slowed the ship up. We're now busy helping out with the station resupply, unpacking our personal and work gear and beginning various types of training. I've posted up a few photos of the trip and our arrival. Enjoy!