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We actually saw a bit of sunlight today for the first time in weeks, it seems. We quickly mobilised the fast rescue craft for some filming by the ABC team and they seem very happy with the results, so look out for the program coming soon. The small boat was called back to the mother ship as clouds of blowing snow began to approach again. Most of the day we have been moving through sea ice and have finally found where the seals have been hanging out. The fog has continued to come and go, with enough bright patches to give everyone a chance to check out the spectacular scenery and wildlife. For a while, it seemed every third ice floe had a few crabeater seals, and we’ve also seen leopard seals, a pod of minke whales off the bow, the occasional emperor penguin, and lots of snow and Antarctic petrels. It’s been a great way to spend what is probably our last day in the ice. When the ice conditions allow, we will complete the last few stations on the Antarctic continental shelf. We will then move back into deeper water and carry out the last 11 stations running north along 150E. After that, we point the ship towards the north for a quick 1200 nm run home.
REGARDS: Steve, Fred and Penny
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.