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Land Ho! And what land it is. At around ten this morning the rugged mountains of South West Tasmania challenged what for a week had been an uninterrupted horizon. As we came closer the greenness was especially striking in contrast to the blues, whites, browns and greys of Antarctica. For the Australian and Chinese winterers who have spent around fourteen months away from home this is an important milestone in their homeward journey but everyone is anticipating tomorrow, when we expect to come alongside Princes Wharf in busy Hobart at 8.00am, and the days beyond for those who have more travel ahead before they see friends and family. The captain and crew of the Aurora Australis have displayed a lot of admirable qualities on this voyage but patience has to be close to the top of the list. Patience with a voyage leader wanting everything done yesterday, patience with the fiftieth person come to the bridge to ask if we are there yet, patience with those of us who take a while to learn to separate our rubbish or clean our muddy boots, or remember that crew who work at night might be sleeping during the day. We are grateful for their patience, friendship and good humour as well their professional skill and competence. So tomorrow, when the expeditioners step off the ship, another chapter in the protection and understanding of Antarctica will close; at a time where there is increasing understanding of the importance of Antarctica for the future of the planet.
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.