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Ahoy All,
Last night we entered the ice pack and have now slowed significantly as we break our way through the tightly packed ice floes which lie across our track to Casey Station. The ship is now in ice-breaking mode, with both engines online and the controllable pitch propeller fixed at the optimum pitch to provide maximum power to break through the ice. As we go, the hull is being buffeted by the larger floes and occasionally there is a loud crash as we meet the biggest ones. The ship then vibrates as she pushes on through, breaks the ice and then picks up speed again. The bridge is a popular place to be at the moment with large numbers of expeditioners enjoying the amazing views. There have also been plenty of sightings of birdlife, penguins and seals. This morning a small pod of sperm whales were observed feeding as the ship passed – Antarctica truly is an amazing place and the photos just don’t do it justice.
At present the sun is now only below the horizon for a very short time, and it doesn’t actually get dark. This has allowed us to maintain the best speed possible in the conditions.
On the work front, final preparations for resupply are now complete, with equipment being restowed for use and rosters etc updated. Following a phone hookup with the station this morning to confirm arrangements, all is in readiness to begin. Depending how long we take to break through the pack ice, we should arrive at Casey tomorrow around the middle of the day. Tomorrow afternoon will be spent completing final briefs with the Station team, and then moving priority cargo and personnel ashore (including all Casey winterers) by tomorrow evening. The weather forecast is also looking favourable, so a good start to resupply for V2 looks likely.
Until tomorrow, shipmates,
Regards Chris, Leanne, and the V2 Team
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.