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Awesome is a word frequently used to describe things and events in our modern world which really aren't. This morning at 0600 as we cruised alongside the grandeur of the 60m high ice cliffs of the West Ice Shelf with a windless, mirror calm sea, reflecting the soft light of the early morning sun, the true meaning of the word 'awesome' was pretty obvious. After such an impressive start to the day, reality set in. This morning the ship's crew conducted a lifeboat and Fast Rescue Craft (FRC) drill, while the expeditioners went to their muster stations in sub-zero temperatures. With the weather deteriorating at Mawson (where they are looking forward to forecast 95 knot winds later today) the decision has been taken to remain in the open water in the protection of the relatively berg-free lee (downwind) side of the West Ice Shelf until the weather improves. While we are here we will take the opportunity to conduct field some training, in particular introducing the first timers to their cold weather clothing and equipment. Once the wind increases as forecast we will then head outside and test the training. Final preparations and briefs for the Mawson Resupply are being completed today, with a likely window for commencing the operation sometime Tuesday.
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.