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The weather held and the cargo was all delivered. A huge effort by everyone in cold conditions with the temperature never climbing above -8deg for the day. At least the sun was shining in clear blue skies to allow the helicopters to deliver all the remaining cargo and retrieve as much from the station. We watched the plateau above us all day and eventually the sharp white horizon of ice turned fuzzy with blowing snow, the sign of approaching strong winds. Luckily this happened as we lifted the anchor and steamed out while the helicopters were packed away in the hangar. We waved farewell to the Casey winter team with the traditional blast of the ship's horn as we wished them well for the winter. As we steamed out from Casey we saw numerous seals and penguins in amongst the ice and as we approached an area of open water we saw a big pod of Minke Whales cruising within it. The sounder showed Krill below us so despite their early start for the day the crew swung back into action and put the net in the water. Success on the second tow as the net was full of live krill that were quickly transferred to the holding tanks where they will be kept alive to return to Hobart. During the evening we steamed North around an enormous berg of some 25nm in length before setting course for Hobart. Overnight the weather blew up to gale force and the sea and swell rose with the wind. This morning we are pounding along on a wind streaked sea as over 40kts of wind makes it a bumpy ride. A rude induction for those who've just joined us from Casey. We think we are setting a record with 118 expeditioners now onboard, which has put the galley into overdrive! Although a more lively ride this morning it's also fascinating to see the ocean in a different state to the calm of the last few days. Truly a more Southern Ocean experience! We are leaving the Antarctic continent behind as we steam home. This beautiful place is now the domain of our friends at Davis, Mawson, Casey, Zongshan and Progress stations until next summer. We wish them all the best for the winter and the fantastic experiences that it will bring. 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.