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Due to the high tempo of operations, the SITREP was a little
light on for detail, standby for more detail today.
We managed to discharge the ship by midday on Saturday and commenced
back loading of 'return to Australia' (RTA) cargo. Joe and the Beach
Boys did a great job around the wharf to keep the containers flowing on
and off the barge. The cracking pace that typified Friday continued all
the way through Saturday. The barge crews did a fantastic job on the
water going back and forwards between the ship and the shore, the
sunshine and light winds were much appreciated. The Aurora crew were
also doing a sensational job aboard keeping the crane moving and boxes
going over the side.
Meanwhile on the station the new arrivals were settling in and Maso was
undertaking his two day project to develop a system to ensure that the
ship's sugar spoon remains free from contamination. The other round
trippers were sent into the field and enjoyed a night 'roughing it' at
various huts around the Vestfold Hills, whilst the departing Davis
expeditioners packed up and came out to the ship. Operations concluded
around 2000, with everyone pretty happy with the days activities.
Sunday morning dawn a little overcast, but due to the cracking pace of
the last two days of operations leaving only round trip project cargo
remaining ashore, it was decided to have a relatively slow start to the
morning. On the ship, the opportunity was taken to allow our boat crews
to undertake some navigation training in and around the islands off
Davis. Because most of the crew and the voyage support team had been
confined to the ship for the entire time we had been at Davis, the offer
was made to them to jump on the barge for the navigation exercise as
well. So about 15 of us had the pleasure of a short cruise around the
islands and got to witness some spectacular sights, including icebergs,
penguins and bird life. A great way to start the day, especially after
the last two long days of operations. After the crew were deposited back
aboard, the barge proceeded ashore to pick up the last of the cargo and
start recovering our personnel.
All those coming back to the ship after two days ashore reported success
on all fronts. The team at Davis had ensured that they were well looked
after. Thanks to Mike and the team at Davis for making this happen.
After recovering all our expeditioners, the ship commenced weighing
anchor and we were underway by 1330 bound for Mawson. Once we were well
and truly into Prydz Bay, an emergency muster drill was conducted to
ensure that everyone including our new passengers were reacquainted with
their lifeboat station, as well as making sure that we hadn't left
anyone behind!
After two full on days at Davis, most people took the opportunity to
unwind and the ship was very quiet over night. The light winds and
smooth seas have stayed with us on the passage across Prydz Bay. The ice
imagery for our passage continues to look favourable and with this in
mind we have taken a more southerly course, which takes us close to the
coast all the way to Mawson. The ice pack usually forces the Aurora to
track well to the north and then cut back in too Mawson, pushing the
transit time out to the four day mark. 'Cutting the corner' near Cape
Darnley will save us up two days if we are lucky and our interpretation
of the satellite is correct. So far its looking like we are getting away
with it, but as those that have travelled these waters before know,
don't count your chickens too soon.
This morning at around 0400 the shipped crossed over the Fram Bank,
which is a relatively shallow stretch of water, where icebergs that have
broken off the Amery ice shelf and the other glaciers that empty into
Prydz Bay, have a tendency to ground themselves on. We were greeted by
walls of ice on each side of the ship as the bridge team navigated
between massive bergs. The sunshine and clear skies made for a truly
awesome sight, which lasted most of the morning watch. The wildlife also
put on a good show, with hundreds of Emperor Penguins out on the ice
floes, and birds flying around. Only one seal was spotted. We are now
clear of Fram Bank and back into open water making good around the 14
knot mark, this has the makings of a record transit from Davis to
Mawson, I believe the fastest was 36 hours set by the Amderma last
season. This is truly a record breaking voyage with the longest SITREP
ever written, the most fruit buns every consumed on a single trip and
now the possibility of break the Davis Mawson record!
Late breaking news: I didn't think it could get any better, but as I
write this, the ship is currently 15 nautical miles off Cape Rouse and
we can just see on the horizon the (Captain) Murray and Scullin
Monoliths, SPECTACULAR! Hopefully we will see more as we pass the Gustav
Bull Mountains in the coming hours.
The 2010 Dessert War continues unabated, with a cheeky chocolate self
saucing pudding gracing the servery last night. Again Ken put another
notch on his gun belt with a sensational effort. Kyle was asked when he
would enter the fray, and he reported that it would be when Ken least
expected it. Can't wait is all I can say.
All aboard doing well and just recovering from a jaw dropping transit
across the Fram Bank.
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.