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Today marks the four weeks since we cast off the lines and left
Hobart, but it only seems like yesterday! The Southern Ocean experience
continues this morning as we sail under a misty grey sky with the wind
and a gentle swell on the beam. It has been a very comfortable 24 hours,
but sunshine is something that has been in short supply since we left
Mawson nearly a week ago. Having said that, the moderate seas are really
appreciated.
The furious pace of marine science continued as another two Argos were
launched and the Continuous Plankton Recorder (CPR) continues on its
plankton sucking way. A slight correction to yesterday's SITREP as only
one Argo was set not two, sorry. The team turned too last night at
around 1800 to commence the two hour process that must be undertaken
prior to the floats going over the side. With all systems go, the float
was deployed at 2000 and the lads were back on deck at 0430 this morning
for the third launch, which occurred at around 0630.
A big thank you to the Ship's Engineering team who undertook the
delicate surgery, using a hammer and a punch, on the the CPR that
brought it back to life - like CPR on the CPR really. Thanks team!
Speaking of the CPR, the design of this device hasn't changed that much
in over 80 years. Sir Hubert Wilkins, towed a CPR behind the submarine
Nautilus during his unsuccessful attempt to reach the North Pole under
the ice pack in 1931. If you look closely at some of the footage from
the 'Nautalis' documentary you see a couple of shots of the CPR used
then and it looks remarkable like the one we use today. Why fix it if it
isn't broken! A decorated wartime cameraman, a polar aviation pioneer
and extensive explorer, If you get a chance to see this documentary you
will realise how under appreciated Sir Hubert Wilkins is. The aerodrome
facility near Casey Station, to which the AAD's A319 aircraft operates,
is named in recognition of him and his aviation exploits, especially
those in Antarctica. If you can't see the documentary please do yourself
a favour and grab a fruit bun and do a little reading up on this great
Australian.
Nothing much to report on the wildlife front, with rain and fog making
it hard enough seeing the ocean 500 metres ahead never mind a bird!
Despite the reduced visibility the first Sooty Albatross was spotted
this morning as it swooped in and hovered over the bridge wings. These
birds are absolutely beautiful with the whites of their eyes highly
visible against the dark brown and grey body colour. We have definitely
crossed over into Albatross country!
A valiant attempt was made last night to beat back the axis forces, who
still had the afterglow of victory surrounding them after their
chocolate fuelled assault on Saturday night. In a bid to beat back the
hordes, Ken employed a secret weapon: fruit buns! In a masterful stroke,
Ken took the heavy artillery, the old Bread and Butter pudding, and
converted it into the Fruit Bun and butter pudding tomahawk missile.
This precision guided piece of ordinance was on target and delivered a
mighty punch. The judges had a heated debate about whether or not it had
brought down the Chocolate, Pecan Nut and Raspberry torte. After much
debate it was decided that it had just missed the mark a little,
defiantly top 4 maybe even top 3, but the axis still maintain the top
two positions. This battle is getting brutal and no prisoners or
waistlines are being spared as it comes down to the wire with only six
more opportunities left before peace is declared. Stay tuned.
All aboard counting down the days till the boot washing and gear return,
the next two 'major' highlights of our great Southern Ocean odyssey.
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.