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At last!! It's our 9th days since arriving at Macquarie Island, and Fuel pumping finally commenced at 1200 today! Yesterday ended with a few more LARC loads in high winds and no helicopter operations with the Southerly wind up well over 40 Knots. This morning the wind and swell had dropped as forecast and the inflatable boats (IRB's) were on the water by 0630 adjusting fuel line anchors and then towing the fuel line from shore to ship. With the surf still there but manageable, a rocket line was used to establish a line between shore and the IRB's outside the surf line, so that the fuel line could then be towed out to the ship. It then took 3 hours of hard work in cold conditions by our IRB and shore crews to get all the fuel line anchors in an acceptable arrangement, pressure test the line, and begin pumping. By time of writing at 1430 some 50,000 Litres has been pumped. Our intention is to stay until 8pm tomorrow (Wednesday) to make the most of continuing forecast good weather, and hopefully complete the minimum 120,000 Litre fuel transfer and resupply. ETA Hobart is now likely to be lunchtime Saturday, but this to be confirmed once we actually sail. Until then we are in the lap of the weather Gods, who for now at least, are smiling. Meanwhile helicopter operations continue apace; Ship shore cargo being slung from a full helideck, GG Penguin over flights complete, GG hut resupply being conducted, plateau fence materials deployed, and marine debris collected from the West coast. It is staggering how much happens at once when the weather finally plays the game, and a credit to the fantastic efforts on all involved on ship and ashore. All well on the ship Regards, Don and Brett
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.