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Antarctica continued to put on its best show as the sun
continued to shine throughout the day. The track in took us
through a cavalcade of beautiful icebergs all gleaming in the midday
sun. All expeditioners were up on the upper decks with cameras and video
gear, trying to capture the moment. Its extremely hard to get that photo
that really represents the true beauty of this place and even after six
visits to Antarctica it still takes my breath away, and no that's not
because I've eaten too many fruit buns and finding it harder and harder
to make it up the eight flights of stairs to the bridge in my pants that
seem to have shrunk in the wash! After a pleasant cruise through Prydz
Bay the ship dropped the pick at 1309 and we immediately swung into
cargo operations.
An hour later the the ship was riding the anchor well, the barge was
hoisted off the deck and brought alongside the ship, where the first
shift of watercraft operators jumped aboard and got it flashed. By 1430
the first container was on its way to Davis. This was probably the most
important container for the expeditioners at Davis as it contained some
mail from home and the all important shipment of fresh fruit and
vegetables. Even in these days of email, instant messaging, Facebook and
twitter, nothing really beats the simple pleasure of opening a letter or
a package from a loved one. Closely behind that would be the joy of
biting into a 'relatively' fresh apple, orange or mango as there isn't
many supermarkets around here.
At the same time as cargo operations were commencing, the AAD's work
boat came alongside to take all the round trip expeditioners ashore to
undertake their programs and projects. We sent 12 people ashore to
undertake a variety of tasks in support of the Australian Antarctic
program. These include some upper atmospheric work including an
ultraviolet radition data collection exercise as well as some Geosciece
Australia sponsored projects. In addition, two personnel from the AAD
are ashore as part of our Staff Familiarisation program. In their 'Day
jobs' both Angela and Jill are actively involved in the processes
associated with recruiting, selecting and preparing expeditioners to
undertake work in Antarctica. The Staff Familiarisation program provides
an opportunity for AAD employees, who may never get to participate in
the program, due to the nature of their work, to visit our stations and
get a good understanding of what life is like down south. Due to the
limited amount of beds available on station, the incoming summer team,
had to remain on board last night, whilst the outgoing summer
expeditioners enjoyed their last night ashore. A case a so near yet so
far for those left aboard.
This morning we were up on deck for a 0800 start. The cafe was a buzz
with all our summer crew eager to get ashore, they didn't have to wait
long as the barge proceeded alongside the bunker to take them ashore by
around 0830. There was smiles all around as the barge pulled away.
Goodbye and good luck to you all and see you when you return!
On the dessert front, the aforementioned Tim Tam Bruelee made its debut
last night to rapturous applause. It was exceptionally good, especially
accompanied by a couple of scoops of chocolate ice cream and a dolop of
cream. The judging panel was faced with the hard task of comparing it to
the all conquering Banana and Caramel self saucer and the Sticky Date.
But after much debate it was decided that the Banana and Caramel is
still in the lead. Still, all of these desserts have been Ken's
creations, Kyle has yet to step up to the plate. We await the retaliation!
All aboard, those few of us remaining, doing well, enjoying the sunshine
and living the dream in SPF 30+!
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.