At the start of this week we had received and unpacked over 50 per cent of the cargo for Mawson and sent back some of the RTA (Return to Australia) containers with waste and recycling. Then with high winds forecast, RSV Nuyina departed Kista Strait and headed for open water to carry out onboard science and wait until the winds improved.
On station we continued with lengthy and detailed handovers during the following days of blizzard conditions. Winds peaked at around 78 knots. This gave the 77th ANARE newcomers a taste of what can happen here at Mawson and tested our ability to see keep warm as we moved (carefully) around station.
The winds have raged for several days, battering the coast and station. Conditions were mostly clear, though some fresh snow has fallen as well. Most of this has ended up out at sea although station has taken on a more wintery hue.
This morning the ship was a welcome sight in front of station on the other side of West Arm. Things are buzzing as we anticipate the arrival of cargo plus people and IRBs to set up for refuelling.
Ali Dean - incoming station leader
