3 dog teams head to Auster Emperor Rookery, Mawson 1972

Here’s an unusual photo from Attila Vrana (electronics engineer and chief design engineer of the Mawson Cosray underground vault) from 1972 of 3 dog teams heading to Auster Emperor Penguin Rookery, east of Mawson.  Auster Rookery was often a challenge to find as its location amongst grounded bergs some 30 km from the station shifted from year to year. The last team was made up of 5 pups from the year’s litter called the Kelly Gang – Attila’s favourite team. It was their first field trip. Note the second team of dogs are very interested in the nearby Adelie Penguins – for them a good mouth-sized meal, if given half a chance.The picture was taken in late spring, probably about mid to late October.

Credit: Photo: (c) A. Vrana

On spring doggie trip to Auster Rookery with 3 teams, 1972

On spring doggie trip to Auster Rookery with 3 teams, 1972 (c) M. Cutcliffe

“Hi Dave (Parer),

I get jealous when Attila’s piccies get shown and mine don’t.  So, how about this one?  Taken on the same trip to Auster from the front sledge pulled by the pups (and Attila).  I think Laurie Koger and “Thatch”?? were in the second sledge, and you and Evan were in the distant trailing sledge.  I have several identical piccies, but this particular one was taken with the official ANARE camera, and was therefore claimed by the Division.  As you can see the piccie was made into a $1.40 Aussie stamp. (should have been at least $10)   And please note, MY dog, Fuckwitt, sorry Fuquit. on the right, is as always slaving his guts out doing most of the hard work.   Signed: Max (Cutcliffe – Mawson 66, M72 – Electrician, photographer and mountaineer)”.

PS: Max (now 90) and Attila (80) are best mates and crossed the Patagonia Icecap in 1998 and climbed Mount McKinley in 1991, Alaska. During the ascent there were a few cool days & Max got frostbitten toes & lost part of his big toe. Both were, and are, tough dudes! The copy, above gives a sense of what a champagne year 1972 was at Mawson, under the leadership of Neil Roberts.