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Overnight the weather deteriorated somewhat but with the wind and sea mostly behind us, Aurora Australis is handling the conditions well. We have now crossed the Antarctic convergence and both sea and air temperatures are now just a few degrees above freezing. With the drop in temperature the ship's crew are busy ensuring that the ship is ready to enter below zero temperatures with heaters and steam feeds for external equipment and ballast tanks operating, and the ship's fireman pipework empty so that ice can't form inside.An "Iceberg Sweepstake" has been started with a cash prize going to the person who guessed the most accurate time for the sighting of the first iceberg. The prize will be split 50/50 with half going as a donation to Camp Quality, which is the ship's charity. Planning meetings and briefs continue, with the environment briefs for all personnel landing at Mawson getting updated on procedures for ensuring that all clothing and footwear is cleaned of seeds and other contaminants prior to disembarkation. Everyone also viewed the DVD "Give Penguins Their Space" to educate on the closest approach distances for Adelie Penguins in their rookeries. As we head further south the overcast has lifted and we are now sailing in clear but slightly hazy conditions. Apparently in a day or so we will be receiving his royal holiness King Neptune aboard to welcome a bunch of newcomers into Antarctic waters.... The CPR remains streamed and will be changed out this evening.
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.