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The calm conditions continue to make for an easy ride through the
Southern Ocean - at the moment. There is a lot more activity around the ship
as those that were confined to their bunks for the past week finally make an
appearance and reintroduce themselves to the rest of the expeditioners. It's
quite surreal to see a new face after being at sea for a week!
The calmer weather is allowing for a faster pace of around the 13knt mark.
Due to the appearance of intermittent icebergs our speed is reduced to 9knts
between sunset and sunrise. Having said that, the icebergs haven't been that
numerous and we would be lucky to see one or two a day over the last three
days.
Wildlife continues to avoid us, much to the frustration of those
expeditioners waiting patiently on the bridge with their brand new cameras
posed for that great shot. Speaking of cameras, Zane had a captive audience
of apprentice photographers attend his 'Introduction to your DSLR camera'
class yesterday afternoon.
Last night's trivia contest was well attended by the expeditioners. After a
torrid battle the 'Drop Stones' team was victorious over a strong field of
stayers. Despite the continued debate about wether Pluto is a planet or not,
a good night was had by all. Thanks to Ang for helping out and keeping
everyone in line.
I forgot to mention yesterday that the second Continuous Plankton Recorder
(CPR) tow was completed around midnight, with John and George reporting a
good catch of some euphausiids, amphipods and large Calanus copepods on the
mesh after a 411 nautical mile journey. CPR #3 was immediately sent on its
merry way and is expect to be recovered around lunch time today due to our
quickening speed of advance.
I have to correct a massive injustice dealt out yesterday. The Masterchef
responsible for last night's exceptional Sticky Date Pudding was in fact Ken
not Kyle. Sorry Ken, won't happen again, and please know your pudding was
regarded by many as one of the best yet to grace the AA's servery. For those
interested in the fruit bun drama, please note that even after doubling the
ration, there were no buns left by afternoon tea yesterday.....out here,
after a week at sea, it is the big issues that matter!
All aboard, loving the great weather and eagerly preparing for our arrival
at Davis, due, hopefully, at the end of the week.
Regards
Rob, Simon and George.
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.