I was lucky enough to be at the Australian Antarctic Division’s headquarters, yesterday, to witness, via webcam, the midwinter celebrations at each of the Australian bases: Mawson, Davis, Macquarie Island and Casey.

These “overwinterers” are in permanent night and the temperatures are cold (as I write it is hovering around -23 degrees c at Davis). But, they are far from glum. Celebrations were planned, and I’m sure executed, with much bravado.

Events included comic skits, bands and a ten course feast. One guy was dressed as Scooby Doo (how on earth do you get a full bodied Scooby Doo outfit to such a remote place? Imagine the local wildlife getting a bit of a shock!) I hope you all had an absolute ball.