Australia Day Celebrations

Australia Day celebrations took place here on Sunday, this includes a swim which is open for all expeditioners but is really only undertaken by first timers, however a few get caught up in the moment and also take place. 

I should add, water temp -.08, air temp -1, wind chill around -7, on the day 15knot winds and a layer of greasy ice about 20mm in thickness, so perfect conditions for a swim! 

We also had the compulsory game of cricket on the beach 20 overs each team, umpired by the Station Leader who by the way was open to all and any corruption and bribes. A good day had by all which ended with beers on the verandah in the sun and a lamb on spit.

 Our designated life guard clearing a path for the swim, first trying to break it with a bamboo stick but later resorting to a cro bar.

 The swim team ready to hit the water 

 In they go, me included unbelievably cold.

 Bruce with a piece of the greasy ice which was broken to allow us to enter the water, and retreating swimmers, I might add this was approx: 30 seconds into the swim.

 The last remaining swimmers, Dan, Cam and Chris who managed to stay in for 4min 20 seconds, congratulations boys.

 Some of the locals were there to keep an eye on the proceedings, this bloke although hard to imagine, would weigh in at around 1.5 tonnes, these are juvenile Elephant Seals who claim the beach in the summer months.

Josh preparing the game refreshments, endless supply of ice here.

 

the pitch and teams ready to go.

After game drinks on the verandah of the LQ.