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We were getting a bit cocky yesterday after our refuelling success, so the "A" factor kicked in, and brought our good run at Davis to an abrupt end. The wind had been increasing throughout the afternoon, with gusts up to 50 knots recorded at the ship. This was making crane work a bit tricky for some loads, but it was also getting pretty uncomfortable for those people working outside. Then, about two ship-lenghts of ice at the stern of the ship broke away on the loading side, and new cracks started to appear in the working area. Everyone retreated to the ship or back to shore, and a number of containers were left on the ice as we waited and watched. Nothing happened. Nothing continued to happen for about an hour and a half, so a small crew returned with some heavy equipment and made a quick grab of the remaining gear on the ice. We all started breathing again. So we called it quits for the day, and waited to see what the morning would bring. Apart from bright sunshine, the ice hadn't appeared to have changed much, although closer inspection revealed a few cracks opening slightly. So after loading our returning Davis winterers, we've turned tail and fled, and are on the last stretch now, heading back to Hobart. We still have the ice to negotiate, but we're hopeful it won't be as challenging as it was getting in. Our thanks to everyone at Davis for putting in such a great effort over the last few days. Regards from Doug and Nicky
Map
A map showing Australia and Antarctica. The map shows the journey of one voyage that has occured in the season, with each route highlighted in a distinct colour.