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The weather kept us out of Buckles Bay yesterday resulting in multiple trips up and down the island, which was relatively comfortable except for turning across the swell at the end of very leg and the resulting cabin carnage.
This morning the weather seemed to be on the turn so we moved into Buckles Bay to see if we could get the game underway. We had initial success in getting the first helicopter on deck, which allowed passenger transfers and cargo to commence. But as is usual around here the weather changed for the worse and tools were downed at 1130. We moved down the coast to a position off Sandy Bay and found the conditions a lot more settled. A helicopter was in the area and dropped by to check out the movement of the ship and gave a thumbs up, so the second half of play commenced at around 1240.
It was a busy four hours of activity on the helideck and in the holds as the loads came to and from the ship along with returning expeditioners.
We finally said goodbye to the remaining team of MIPEP expeditioners and welcomed back all of our round trip project people.
The hope was that we might be able to crack all of the priority work today, recover the aircraft and commence passage for home, but there just wasn't enough light left at the end of the day. We managed to get all of cargo ashore, received all of the priority RTA and pack away one helicopter. Not a bad result in view of the conditions and the extra flight time required to get to and from the ship at Sandy Bay. In the end we fell short by three helicopters. This means we will have another go tomorrow during another small weather window in the morning.
The main reason why we were aiming to get away today was to try and get ahead of a major low pressure system that is forming to our west, off the coast of Antarctica, which the weather models show will track across our path to Hobart. Looks like we will either have to ride it out or stay in the vicinity of Macca to get some shelter and punch out when it passes.
For the record last night's dessert was the world famous Aurora Australis Sticky Date pudding! A favourite of many an expeditioner and the troops were presented with another fantastic rendition of this culinary masterpiece. Truely spectacular and in keeping with past performances.
And for those interested, Andy earned his money ashore over the past two days - he tells me.....
Navy term of the Day:
OD - someone with little time in the service or experience. In AAD terms somebody that has worked for the div for less than 10 years i.e. me!
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.