I won’t bore you with the details as I’ve pretty much told everyone I know how I got here but suffice to say that it took about 18 months and some pretty gruelling selection processes to get to this point where I am heading to Antarctica as the Station Leader of Davis for the 2021/22 season – seriously I am struggling to believe it myself!!!
My time with the Australian Antarctic Division officially started with 2 weeks of isolation in Hobart thanks to Covid sneaking into the ACT a week or so before I was due to leave. Luckily I went straight into 3 weeks of station leader school where I learnt all about the AAD and the many parts that make this fascinating operation down south a reality.
I must admit the thing that struck me at first (outside how lovely everyone was) was the sheer number of tradies that just keep the stations running and that’s before any science can take place.! The first 11 days of isolation flew by but by day 12 I was definitely ready to get off the laptop, get outside and meet some real people so much so that I was excited to get a cab for a COVID test – almost a highlight of the week.
After 21 years in the same organisation starting with a new one was a whole mix of emotions for me. Luckily it wasn’t just me starting in a new place and there has been an overwhelming sense of positivity, enthusiasm and excitement in the air with a healthy amount of underlying fear from all the newbies including me. I’ve been thinking how am I going to lead this team of incredible people! ? But I keep reminding myself if there is one thing I have learnt about leadership its relax and get to know your people and the rest will come.
What to pack is a huge topic and my previous philosophy of needing my passport and credit card to travel has gone out the window. If I don’t bring it now then I have to live without it for 12 months. I find myself wondering what if my hairdryer breaks down….and then I realise I will be living with some electricians who can probably fix it for me – I have bought a new one just because I deserve it though. Purchasing a years supply of toiletries is an interesting challenge as I have never really thought about things like how long shampoo lasts or how often will I really be wearing mascara.
I have received some kick ass gear that will definitely keep me warm, some of my very own work wear (think hi-vis) and finally justified some expensive purchases from adventure stores. Newbies always pack too much and I definitely won’t be the exception. Buying a camera is my next daunting task….but I am told the best camera is the one you have with you.
I’ve met most of the team and all I can say is I feel exceptionally lucky to be spending a year with such lovely, interesting and fun people I already have a bunch of recommended books, movies, places to travel and some people to learn spanish with in the coming year.
I am loving sharing this journey so far with all my family and friends and I thank you for your love and support. A few pics of the selection centre and no my raft absolutely did NOT float!!! My skills are in other areas 🙂
Happy Feet 
The smile says it all! Can’t wait for the updates. Be safe
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This is fab! Cheered me right up! You will smash it Dani & knowing you, have a fabulous adventure along the way! Looking forward to my polar bear 😉😄
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How fantastic! Good on you. Keep the blogs coming. I’m so glad the people are good. You can get through anything with good peeps around you!! Don’t stress about the packing, as long as you have wine, all will be good in the world! Keep having fun and take care. Jo
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There are times in our careers where we meet people that annoy the crap out of us, expect more of us, question our ways of thinking but also allow us to rise to the challenge because they push us to do and be better… You are all of these things and more…but I wouldn’t want you to ever change!! May your training be fabulous and your year away be even better! Stuff the mascara! This is your year to be free….. Look forward to reading all about it… Photos or it never happened!! 🎊😊
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Great to get your update but where ever did you get the know how as to articulate so concisely and so informatively? The only comment I can make is Well done!
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Oh Dani you will have the best time! I’m really looking forward to following you through your whole adventure. I think of you often and how resilient you are, you will rock this no problem.
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Well done you are almost on your way to another amazing adventure. Ever so proud of my girl ❤️
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Sounds AMAZING Danni, but please DO bore me with the details.
What is your journey, and how did it come to be?
Looking forward to watching it all unfold ❤️💙
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I am so excited for you once in a lifetime experience cannot wait for all of your instalments of this wonderful adventure!!! Sure beats winning that four ball tournament!!
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Haha that four ball tournament was the highlight of my golf career
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I am so lucky to have met you Dani , as I am going , to enjoy ,all your blogs .
You have done so well to achieve this fabulous journey . Take care xx
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I have difficulty knowing what to bring for a weeks holiday lol well done
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Can’t wait to share your journey.
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You are truly amazing much love Trish 🥰🥰
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Definitely you will make it perfect. You are the best.
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Well that is a great start and thanks for including us. Go Danni Go; Have a great time and we look forward with much excitement to receiving updates of your adventure. Vaughan and Trish.
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Looking forward to the next instalment (and so on, and so on). Enjoy 😉
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Well Dani you look a picture of health and ready to nail this incredible journey. Glad you are with a great team of people. Don’t worry too much, your raft building skills are sure to improve… although I do hope you won’t be calling on them too often. Travel well. Cheers Rose 💐
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This is an amazing blog and I can’t wait to follow an amazing friend on her journey. Is their a guest house :-). Have winter clothing will travel….
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Dani, My father was a Supply Officer in the Antarctic Division during the 60’s. I fondly remember him setting sail on the “Nella Dan” for Macquarie Island. His camera bought back wonderful photos (slides) of penguins and seals, which were enjoyed on many family slide show nights (great memories). Looking forward to reading of your adventures further south. Best advice “just be yourself” you will kill it !
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Thanks Geoff, that is so cool about your dad!!
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Hi Dani,
Bob and I can’t wait to read all your updates and, of course, see all your pics.
Have fun! Love Di xxx
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Love the blog! Keep them coming. Good luck and great adventures!
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