This week’s meeting was “home-grown” in that the Guest Speaker was our very own Jeremy Wood. Jeremy gave an interesting presentation entitled ‘Woods’ Antarctica Trip’ – a summary of the 13 hour scenic charter flight that he and Jeanette took fairly recently. It takes about 4 hours to fly from Perth to Antarctica, and once there the aircraft drops to an altitude of 10,000 feet so that passengers can get a good look at the icy continent. Antarctica on average is the coldest, driest and windiest continent, and has the highest average elevation of all the continents. Antarctica is almost twice the size of Australia, and over the years various nations have claimed sovereignty over it, starting with the French in 1840 through to Argentina in 1943. Australia made its claim in 1933. The flight went backwards and forwards over various parts such as the Casey Station, one of three permanent stations and research outposts in Antarctica managed by the Australian Antarctic Division, and it was amazing to learn that Casey is 2,500 kms away from the South Pole! The place that receives most rain is Law Dome, and the Wilkins Airfield has a 5 km long runway! Thank you Jeremy for the lovely pictures too.