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A relatively calm day yesterday out here on the great Southern Ocean. But the total opposite today with the wind and swell picking up overnight making movement around the ship difficult. Despite this most people are up an about getting ready for our arrival at Macquarie Island.
We are also very cognisant of the fact that this is the first visit of a vessel to the island following the Pest Eradication Project's highly successful baiting program. In recognition of this everyone is going above and beyond to ensure that all their gear is cleaned and inspected in accordance with all the relevant procedures. The smell of Virkon is everywhere!
In addition to the ship being on charter to the RAN, we have a group of Navy officers and sailors embarked undertaking a range of activities. At least 13 of the group are 'Gap Year' sailors, who have volunteered to take a year off and 'try-out' the Australian Defence Force to see what its like and maybe consider a future career in uniform. Sort of a 'try before you buy' scheme, which by all accounts has been highly successful with a significant percentage of those undertaking it deciding to join up after the completion of the year. Must be a bit of a thrill being fresh out of school and already having a Southern Ocean voyage under your belt and having visited one of the world's remotest island!
Last night's Bread and Butter was garnished with a subtle hint of chocolate, which only added to this overall top class rendition of the timeless Australian Classic. Well done Galley team!
Navy term of the Day:
Macca - term referring to lollies, sweets, snakes, squirms etc. i.e. the real steam that powers all AAD resupplies!
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.