Presenter: Trevor Hamley, Australian Glaciologist
SYNOPSIS
"Vodka in a Vegemite Jar" is the title of a book written by Australian Glaciologist, Trevor Hamley. The book describes the 1983 over-snow trek of 3,000 kilometre across Soviet Antarctic from Mirny to Dome C and return. In this memoir, Trevor reveals how fate and a touch of destiny propelled him towards this unique experience, including a visit to Vostok - the coldest place on Earth.
At every turn, the Dome C traverse was beset by adversity yet achieved its scientific objectives. Mechanical and scientific equipment succumbed to the harsh Antarctic conditions, where temperatures plunged to minus sixty degrees centigrade. An appendectomy was performed 1,000 kilometres from the safety of a permanent station, an unprecedented feat in the annals of Antarctic expeditions. Each leg of the journey became an exhilarating episode. But the narrative does not merely recount the logistical aspects of the traverse; it delves into the intricacies of glaciology and the profound issue of our time: climate change.
In "Vodka in a Vegemite Jar", Trevor skilfully intertwines the thrill of exploration with challenging human experiences. He tells us about an extraordinary opportunity and cross-cultural friendship.
AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY
Trevor Hamley is the author of "Vodka in a Vegemite Jar – an Australian on a Soviet Antarctic Expedition". After finishing an undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering at Monash University, Trevor joined the Australian Antarctic Division as the glaciologist - to winter at Casey in 1978. He then commenced a career in engineering construction before re-joining the Antarctic Division to participate in a Soviet Antarctic Expedition in 1983/84. Trevor completed a Master of Science degree in Glaciology at Melbourne University in 1987. He is a life-long enthusiast of outdoor activities and lives in Brisbane with his wife Kerry-Lynne with whom he has two sons and four grandchildren.
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