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Yesterday, for the first time after two weeks of idyllic weather conditions, the Aurora Australis experienced slightly stronger winds, which reached gale force for a few hours, and a short sharp North Easterly swell. The jerking of the ship reminded a few that they needed to get their sea legs back.
It is hard to tell whether the ship was quiet because of the rougher seas keeping some in bed or because it is simply the mood of a return voyage, which provides winding down and reflective time to many home coming winterers. Some have been away for more than 14 months and seem glad to have this transition period before returning to Australia. As for those who planned to catch a plane, many enjoy the novelty and special experience of crossing the Southern Ocean, to the point that we wondered whether King Neptune should have pinned them down for their furtive back crossing of the 60th parallel!
Overnight, as the winds dropped, the Aurora picked up some speed again. The mates observed the sea water temperature rise significantly up to 2.5 degree Celsius (a considerable change of nearly 3 degrees over a period of 12 hours). This patch of warm water generated a bank of fog, rather thick at times, requiring a sharp eye to be kept forward and on the radar to avoid possible icebergs, especially during twilight hours.
Meanwhile, our number one social event organizer, crewman Roger, has declared open the Great Bounty Boat raffle, a fundraising initiative for Camp Quality, which will take place until the end of the season. The special prize is an attractive handmade model of the HMS bounty crafted and signed by Steve Christian, and patiently restored by Roger. Those coming on VMS, V3, V4 or V5, please keep it in mind!
REGARDS: Fred and Kerry
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.