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The ship was pitching heavily last night resulting in an interrupted sleep for most on board. The weather remains rough today with 8 m seas and 40 knot winds. At approximately 1055 ship time this morning we were pleased to hear that the L’Astrolabe had successfully cleared the ice, is now in open seas and heading for Hobart. We wish her safe passage for her return journey. With the news that we were no longer required to be on standby for assistance we have returned to a westerly course heading for Davis station. The ship’s regular safety rounds were completed this morning, followed by a meeting of crew and expeditioners involved in the sea-ice research program to discuss the safety procedures and operations for the planned work in the pack-ice. Last night, word that the official ‘sighting’ of the first iceberg was imminent saw a flurry of expeditioners to the Bridge. However, once again, it was not to be as the fog closed in rapidly precluding the berg from actually being ‘sighted’. The suspense and anticipation was once again palpable. This afternoon saw great relief as, after several false-starts, the first iceberg was finally sighted at 1311hrs local ship time. No one had actually registered for this time in the sweep, so the total funds raised all go to Camp Quality! On the wildlife front, Antarctic Petrels, Blue Petrels, Light Mantled Albatross and Short Tailed Shearwaters have all been seen keeping the ship company, as well as an exotic ‘bird’ in the engine room – more about that later! The first sightings of Jigsaws and Uno have also been seen in the library, with the once prevalent 500 less common in recent days. This evening sees the Social Committee back in action with plans to turn the mess into a ‘spooky hollow’ for Halloween.
REGARDS: Karin, Sharon & Lance
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.