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Our passage to Mawson continues in slightly uncomfortable and cooler conditions. Having passed clear of the low pressure system we were heading south to avoid, the ship has now shaped course to the south west to track direct for Mawson. At present we hope to arrive around midday on Saturday 25 February, with cargo ops planned to commence in earnest first thing on Sunday (weather and the Antarctic factor permitting, of course). Last night after a pizza feast we were treated to a showing of the Antarctic Division produced movie "Blue Ice", which tells the story of the 1954 ANARE Expedition, including the establishment of Mawson Station. There were some amusing and informative anecdotes shared by Dave McCormack of his time at Mawson over the years. It is worth noting that both Dave McCormack and Graham "Meggsy" Mills, both long term members of the Australian Antarctic Programme, are celebrating the 40th anniversary of their first visit to Antarctica on this voyage, quite a remarkable achievement. Otherwise, preparations continue for our arrival at Mawson, with today"s big event being the kit vacuuming, boot scrubbing and sausage sizzle extravaganza in the ship's wet laboratory (the sausage sizzle could just have been a ruse to get people to attend...).
The third CPR was streamed last night and will be changed out at about midnight tonight.
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.