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More whales were seen last night after our BBQ dinner, including orcas, and during the ‘night’ (we still have 24 hour light) the ship pushed its way through a section of close pack. Early this morning we passed spectacular bergs along Petersen Bank before making our approach to Newcomb Bay and Casey station. Casey put on the sunshine for our arrival which was a change from the overcast days we had during the transit. The huge, white Antarctic ice cap dominated the horizon as we approached the station. By eight am we were at anchor with the station clearly visible on a snow covered rocky prominence less than 1500 metres away from our anchorage. Shortly afterwards the station leader and a small team were onboard to brief us and the first of the expeditioners were sent ashore to prepare for the cargo operations ahead. The small boat based at Casey to support the scientific diving program was used to transfer the people and our jet barge was lowered off the ship to start work on the cargo. As I type loads of cargo are heading ashore and the first round trip projects are getting set up on station. We aim to make a start on the cargo today and then tomorrow lay out the hose and start pumping fuel ashore. Given that the fuel we provide will have to last until next summer it could take several days to pump it all ashore. The weather is great, the cranes and boats are working, our fingers are crossed that this state of affairs will last…
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.