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We were right back into things yesterday morning with the helicopters bladed up and underway with cargo loads to the station. Frank, Ric and Dave, our three pilots, did a great job flying load after load on the circuit from ship to shore. The wind was very low in strength making it a bit better for those on deck and ashore at the helipad, the day before some of the workers outside had been seen getting into the -18C freezer to warm up!! The cargo was all finished by early afternoon and we then flew the passengers out to the ship with 11 Mawsonites joining us for the trip to Casey and home. At 1530 we backed out of our parking spot, watched by a little group of Emperor and Adelie penguins, and sounded the ships horn to farewell the 14 expeditioners who will winter in the spectacular surroundings of Mawson. We wish them all the best. The evening was simply stunning as we glided through "ice berg alley" on a surface of clear sea ice. As the ship passed, small ice chunks and water thrown up by the ship skated across the frozen surface beside the ship in an amazing effect. While the sun set the hundreds of bergs around us were lit up by the changing golden hues and the bridge was alive with a buzz from the packed house of onlookers. Overnight and in the dark we broke our way through some areas of heavy ice to reach the open water on the other side. This morning we are cruising at good speed under sunny blue skies with small chunks of ice and bergs dotted about. A pod of humpback whales passed this morning with a wave of their pectoral fins as they cruised lazily in the opposite direction. Thanks from Simon and I to all those on ship, shore and in the air who made the Mawson operation a success. Onwards now to Casey! Yours Aye Robb and Simon
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.