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As per the forecast we are experiencing high winds with wind lifting scud off the water, so no operations today and the ship is cruising up and down the East coast of Macquarie island. The wind is expected to back westerly later tonight and ease with the passing of a front.
So..... a great chance to get some rest after a very busy time with preparation and a very successful start to Ops yesterday. Apart from doing the washing (so we don't offend those ashore), and resting, we are also doing preparations for forthcoming refuel, cargo and passenger Ops, and have had radio skeds with station personnel to discuss planning for the next break in the weather.
The forecast for tomorrow (Saturday) is good so we hope to be back doing Ops to shore, whether we can refuel will be dependent on wind and timings.
Ashore the station is busy making the most of ship free time to commence winterers handovers, undertake round trip projects, or get ready for cargo and refuel operations, so having the ship away for day is actually very productive time ashore.
In High winds the exposed anchorage at Buckles Bay close to station is unsafe, so we cruise up and down in the lee afforded by the East coast of Macquarie Island. The upside of this is that we are often close to shore with some spectacular views of wild winds lifting spray off the white capped sea,and with the island only a couple of miles distant. Macquarie island is the tip of an oceanic ridge sticking out from the ocean, and to either side the sea rapidly deepens, so even here close to shore it can be 1500m deep.
Cheers Don, Simon and Brett.
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.