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On passage conducting marine science. The beam seas continue to make for uncomfortable conditions aboard, despite the best efforts of the bridge watchkeepers. Last night was particularly uncomfortable as people slid up and down their bunks. As a result there are quite a few tired looking expeditioners walking around the ship this morning. This afternoon the sun is trying to get through some low cloud and a light sea mist that has visibility down to about 500m. The sea and swell continue to pound the side of the ship at regular intervals. This morning's CTD cast went like clock work and was done remarkably quickly, due mainly to only having to go down to around the 2600m mark in about 2700m of water. All up the cast took about two hours to complete. The usual array of surface and sub-surface sampling was undertaken using a variety of instruments and nets. The oceanographers aboard are now sampling at three hourly intervals as we transit north as well as conducting the CTDs. Despite the wave action the 8-12 watchkeeper (Gary) was able to keep the ship's head to the wind and swell to ensure that the ship remains in a relatively stationary position in order to carry out the cast. Our 10,000 guests in lab 4 continue to travel well, due mainly to the fact that they most of them are juvenile and adapt to the conditions a lot better than the adults. It also helps when you have a team of people looking after your interests and comfort. The sea water temperature is beginning to increase as we approach the Antarctic Convergence, the impact being that we will have to stop drawing water from the ocean, as it will become too warm for the krill, and start recirculating and cooling the water in their tank. Six days ago the sea water temperature was around the -1.50 C mark now it is hovering around the +2.0 C mark. Wildlife spotting remains very limited. Having said that, yesterday afternoon a large Wandering Albatross appeared out of the mist and did a couple of laps of the ship before disappearing, this usually coincides with me picking up my camera and trying to take a photo. For those interested in the habits of the Wanderer, this happened in the vicinity of 61 20S 149 53E. The blows from a pod of whales were also sighted yesterday afternoon, but the moderate sea and swell, plus the blowing wind, rolling ship and dodgy binoculars prevented any attempt at identification. Another visitor today was a Soft Plumaged Petrel, which has remained with us for most of the afternoon. I have to report that the Sticky Date Pudding appeared on the menu last night, this time produced by Stu. As far as sticky date pud goes this was a superb effort and Kyle now has some serious competition for his title of Master of Sticky Date Pud. All aboard continue to do well and starting to think about preparing for our arrival at Hobart. Regards Rob, Aaron and Mick.
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.