What we do for entertainment.

I thought I'd write a brief piece on the things we do here at Mawson to liven up Saturday nights. Not every weekend, but probably at least once a month someone organises a special event. In the past we've had a quiz night, and a Hawaiian luau on another occasion.

Yesterday myself and our Station Leader (JL) organised The Mawson Games. This was to be an evening of indoor bowls, table tennis, quoits, table soccer, darts and pool. JL and I spent the afternoon arranging tables, laying the bowls "turf", and "inventing" the rules. Finally it was time to write the draw. Holy shit!! Who would have thought it was going to be so hard?? We drew up a table on the whiteboard, with a column for each sport, and a line for each round. We tried several times to get it right, to the point that my brain was really starting to hurt. Finally JL announced that he'd go to his room and try and nut it out on paper, simultaneously I would attempt to find a programme on-line to help solve the problem. The computer solution was not easy, and in fact I gave up and went back to pen and paper. Just as I'd sorted it JL appeared at my door with the solution in hand also. Confirmation once again in my life that maths was never my strongest skill..... Mind you, I worked it out in the end.

Coinciding with "The Mawson Games" JL discovered that it was "World Whisky" day. So, prior to the games Linc, our beloved Met Observer (seriously, that's his job, he observes the weather!!) hosted a whisk(e)y tasting, complete with notes on the characteristics of each. These ranged from quality single malts, a blended scotch, one Irish Whiskey, and an "up-market" (I use the term lightly) aged bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon. As you'd guess the Wild Turkey was almost undrinkable after sampling Oban single malt, Bushmills 14 year old, and Balvenie 12 year old.... (after a couple of bad experiences as a youth bourbon has long since not been a regular feature of my drinking habits and I admit, I actually "downed" mine after the first sip, as in DOWN THE SINK). Now the irony of the occasion is that Linc, doesn't drink!! Top effort Linc, we enjoyed it.

Now, to match the whisk(e)y our much treasured chef Kim prepared a five course menu to match with the liquor. First up was smoked trout (it was actually salmon) bruschetta. Second course was Salmon Tataki, third was a Crusted Fillet of Blue Eye Trevalla, accompanied by haggis. Fourth course, the main, was Braised Lamb Shanks, and finally dessert was an exceptionally rich chocolate tart, which was matched with a nip of Glenmorangie. Once again Kim outdid himself and everyone loved it. All of it was excellent, but the bruschetta was superb, as was the dessert I thought (as I waddled away from the table).

After a period of cleaning up the kitchen competitors were summoned upstairs to the bar for the draw of teams of two out of a hat and be informed of the rules. Six teams of two were decided, and the games began in a round-robin of ten minute games, with the highest score naturally being the winner of that round. Two rounds were played and then a drinks break was called, followed by another two rounds, another drinks break and then the final two rounds.

Competition on the soccer table was intense.
From left, Kate, Angry, JL, and Robi Wan.

At the end of play a tally up of the points table was done which revealed we had a tie for first place between Team 5 (Charlie and Little Pete) and Team 2 (Kim and Angus). As the judges, JL and I decided the finals would consist of a five minute round of the game of choice of each team, followed by a five minute game of the judges choice if the score remained even after that. Team 5 strategically chose quoits. Angus is only in his twenties, and had never heard of the game before the evening....


Team 5, Charlie dominating the Quoits pitch.
Little Pete and J.B. looking on.

Team 2 somewhat naively chose darts, ignorant of the fact that Little Pete has recently revealed himself as a bit of an expert in the art of spear chucking. Kim is also no slouch with the arrows, and neither is Charlie. Sadly Angus's skills lie in other sporting fields, and he is not so practised at such primitive forms of competition. The winner at the end of the two rounds was clear, and unfortunately for Team 2 the judges round was not necessary.

Team 5, Charlie and Little Pete. Victory favours the brave.
 

Congratulations to Charlie and Little Pete. You battled hard and showed no fear in the face of some tough opposition. An excellent night was enjoyed by all, and for me it was a reminder of statements I'd heard from previous expeditioners. A lot of the enjoyment of time spent down here comes from the people you share it with.