Snow Petrels. This is an unusual treat for us , as at this time of year we should have no wildlife , but about 10 odd Snowies have decided to grace us with their presence for a while longer

An Adelie Penguin guarding its floating castle 

Some ice bergs take on a remarkable shape. This has some amazing blues in its center. 

Upon arriving at Casey ,I had a chance to head up to the Wilkins Runway site by chopper. Heres some shots of the edge of the Vanderford Glacier .Double click on an image for best viewing.

All geared up and ready for some ice cliff face rescue exercises.Note the new style chin warmer !! 

Operating the Hagglund and GPS to ensure that we stay on the unmarked track and dont fall into any crevases 

A nesting Colony of Adelie Penguins on Shirly Island. This shot was taken in Dec 05 . Their eggs are almost ready to hatch.The Adelie's are fantastic rock theives , and will waddle halfway across the Is. to steal one little stone for its own nest , from an existing nest at that !!

AWeddel seal lounging on the sea ice between The Bailey Peninsula and Shirley Island

The Penguin and the Cat !!! , This is a shot at the wharf . The locals dont seem to mind the intrusion of heavy machinary!!

Sunset at the runway construction site .  

The Yawn !! This bloke was a bit bored by the humans invading his wallow 

Roaring Elephant seals at Browning peninsula. This is a wallow that at this time held 17 seals .These two guys were arguing about something. The steam that eminated from their gullets was astounding . 

Phillippa Hiding behind a massive icy pole !!!!

A stunning ice melt stream that has frozen and a roof formed. Magic spot 

A bit of Search and Rescue training at the ice cliffs 

The fearsome Southern Ocean rages as we enter the peterson ice bank 

Orcas in Sparkes bay. I went out to the balcony to stretch in the morning and heard spouts .I looked and saw at least 10 whales at once . This went on for over an hour.We counted almost 30 whales in the bay . Just across the channel is Odbert Island. The home to a few Penguin colonies. The Orcas were cruising for a feed .

On the way to Robertsons peninsula. A few of us decided to head off for a night at a hut. The snow looked good , lots of Japan like powder . I was smiling !! 

Before comming down to the ice , I volenteered to be brew master for the year. We've had a hardy crew of bottle washers and bottlers typified by this mottley crew !! All great people , and regular helpers all the way to the end of summer. Thanks guys. 

Sunrise over the Loken Moraines 

Another sunset , this time looking towards the west. 

Moon Rise . Coupled with some spectatular sunsets , this is a fantastic time of year. 

Heres home for the next year , Casey Antarctic station , classed as an Australian territory. also note the Commonwealth Baton , that came down with us on the ship.