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With the last line let go at 1610 yesterday afternoon, and under grey leaden skies, the first voyage of the 2011/12 AAp season departed Hobart. A little different than the usual situation with the Aurora Australis currently under charter to the Royal Australian Navy
(RAN) and undertaking an AAD voyage. Figuratively speaking this would make the Aurora the first 'RAN' ship to visit Macquarie Island since 1985, when HMAS STALWART resupplied the station.
We are currently making good progress towards Macquarie Island after a pretty lumpy night making for a robust introduction to the Southern Ocean for those aboard. Preparations for our arrival have already commenced with some internal meetings with the support team and the ship's crew to work through the myriad of arrangements that need to be put in place prior to our arrival.
Thanks once again to the AAD's Supply Services and Shipping sections for all their efforts in getting us away on time.
The last SITREP I wrote on the trials voyage last year had the following closing passage in it:
"Golden Syrup Dumplings for dessert last night - one word description "Sensational". VL weight gain for voyage - at least 2 kgs."
Uncanny but it was the same dessert last night and just as good! Bit worried about the weight gain bit...
Navy term of the Day:
Duff - term referring to dessert. Taking two desserts is referred to as 'double duff' or in the AAD vernacular doing a 'clifton'.
Regards
Rob and Andy
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.