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In stark contrast to yesterday we now have the forecast bad weather well upon us. Visibility is down to about 200m ahead of the ship and we are presently steaming slowly in the shelter of the Western Ice Shelf trying to avoid the worst of the very rough sea conditions and heavy north westerly swell likely being experienced in the open waters between here and the Mawson Coast. Mawson Station are experiencing 85 knot blizzard conditions. Last night ship's Captain nosed the Aurora Australis into a large bay formed by the western ice shelf and a massive 12-15 km long ice berg. As we approached close into a large wind scour which sits between the ice berg and the shelf,we were in 850m of water with the ice shelf a mere 30-40m ahead of the ship. It was yet another spectacular moment in this amazing place. Today the ingoing Mawson Field Training Officer Mel and her trusty sidekick Mick took the newbie's through some basic cold weather safety training. We rugged up in our Antarctic clothing and proceeded out into the 40 knot sub-zero winds and practiced walking around and climbing into a 'bivvy bag', which is a large nylon bag-shaped waterproof survival shelter big enough to take one person and all their kit. Holding it down and climbing inside was quite a challenge, especially for the gentleman of larger stature! All good things must come to an end and with the forecast easing somewhat later this evening it is likely that we will depart to the west and once clear of the ice field, shape course for Mawson Station. Tuesday is till looking good for commencement of the resupply operation.
REGARDS:Andy, Sharon and Chris
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.