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In the middle of a big day of operations. As per the forecast today has light winds and sunshine - in stark contrast to yesterdays gales. The ship came to anchor this morning with refuel as the main objective and set up the floating ship to shore fuel line. This is a complex operation involving the coordination of ship, 4 inflatable craft (IRB) and an amphibious LARC craft - all used to tow out a lead line from shore and set anchors to keep the fuel line in place. Pumping commenced at 1200 with around 70000 litres so far. With good conditions today we hope to get a fair bit more, and the forecast is currently good to complete refuel tomorrow. The refuel is the most difficult operation in the whole resupply so it is great to have it underway.
Meanwhile the IRB craft have transferred around 20 passengers ashore - some to live for the next year, and some on round trip projects, now getting their turn ashore for the night, or for a daytrip. One Larc is now doing some cargo from the vessel including heavy gas pallets, and starting the huge job of returning RTA(return to Australia)cargo. The usual RTA is much bigger this year with empty drums and empty bait pods used by the MIPEP eradication project to be taken home and this presents a challenge to both get on the ship and stow on the ship. The ship is also working 1 helicopter continuously now moving cargo in and out.
Ashore Station leader Trish reports that Sandy Bay boardwalk team now have their sling load materials to complete the tourist boardwalk, science teams are at the bottom of the island, and media crew have been flown to Green Gorge field hut for a night or two. So the off station programs are humming.
On station an number of round trip projects are underway, with some' churn' of round trip personnel today - some of the first group having had 2 nights ashore making way for the next.
It’s a rare day at Macca when you need sunnies outdoors - and we have lucked in one of those, the forecast is promising tomorrow, then we will see what the weather gods have in store ....we expect a reversion to the usual wind and cloud at some stage.
For those who mainly tune in for the gastronomic section you may be in for a lean time, as I am on a diet.
All good at the sponge
Cheers Don, Simon, 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.