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This morning at first light we went into Buckles Bay for a look at the conditions. The wind and swell were both to high and so watercraft and helicopter operations were not possible. By mid morning the swell remained too much to operate the helicopters however the wind had eased which allowed us to have start work with the small inflatable boats and LARCs. A LARC is an amphibious vehicle that is perfect for Macquarie Island conditions. With the ship held in position off the station the inflatable boats were able to collect people from the ship and take them to a waiting LARC for the trip through the surf crashing onto the beach and deliver them to the station. Once all were ashore the LARC team returned to the ship and started taking cargo in, while the crew and expeditioners on the ship worked to prepare loads and crane them over the side. The station team were busy ashore receiving cargo along with the influx of over 30 new people. All of this took place as the island was bathed in sunshine in between squalls of rain and hail! One of the most precious loads to go ashore today were the dogs that were lowered by crane to a waiting LARC for the journey into their new home and workplace. Strong winds around 50 knots are forecast tomorrow so we will have to see what, if anything, we can do in the weather that eventuates.
REGARDS: Robb, Leanne and Martin
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.