Kit Adams: Looking back on Lockroy
01/01/0001
It’s been over two months since we left our little island on the West of the Antarctic Peninsula and over seven weeks since the first time we, the Port Lockroy team, had been apart in over five months. Now that we have returned, it’s easier to look back and reflect on our time at Port Lockroy, while also filtering through the thousands of photos that we took.
When comparing photos from the start and end of the season there is a shift from a 24 hour illuminated snow covered island with penguins rushing around and fighting for that one stone to build its nest, to no snow and lots of chicks frantically learning to swim while avoiding the ominous leopard seals lurking just off shore before nesting down beneath a perfectly clear Milky Way. It's a reminder of the stark transition of the island when all the subtle daily changes culminate. While the photos are spectacular, it’s difficult to do justice to the awe-inspiring beauty we were fortunate enough to call home for so long.
Aside from the wildlife there were countless experiences that gave us memorable and welcome breaks from work: the length of time spent in Antarctica, the scenery, unique and personalised philatelic requests being sent worldwide (with one being attempted to be sent to the International Space Station) and the fact I was fortunate enough to share this experience with four incredible people. My list of highlights really could be endless!
That said, one of my standout moments was our Christmas day adventure. Kayaks were borrowed from a generous nearby ship, giving us an opportunity to circumnavigate Goudier Island as well as a couple of the neighbouring islands within the bay. To get to see the island from a different perspective is such a rarity for the seasonal locals of Port Lockroy that it was something well worth abandoning the Christmas dinner cooking to do. Once back after our nautical adventure the festive cooking resumed and a wonderful evening was had. That’s one Christmas day that will stay with me for a long time.
As incredible as my time in Antarctica was it naturally also presented a number of challenges. One that was most unfamiliar to anything I had done before was becoming competent and versed in the world of philately. This was something that although initially was quite daunting, soon became very rewarding. Receiving a postcard from anywhere makes you smile and, as I quickly learned, it’s all the more special when it comes from Port Lockroy. It was refreshing to be placed in an environment so different to the modern fast paced world we are familiar with.
Gathering as a group to read some of the letters we received from people who over the course of the season we began to know, became another thing that brought us closer as a team. One such letter was from a young American woman who took it upon herself to brighten our days at Port Lockroy by sending us letters, recipes and artwork. It is kindness like this, which is also displayed in so many of those who visit and work within the Antarctic community, that makes it such a unique and special place to be.
Kit Adams
