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The low swell we are experiencing has made it more comfortable on board. We continue at a good speed. There was excitement on the bridge yesterday afternoon when the first iceberg was spotted off the port bow at a distance of 6Nm. There was the traditional sweep run on the ship to guess the date and time for the spotting of the first iceberg by the Officer on Watch. Julie expertly calculated (guessed) the correct date and time. . The iceberg was located at 57deg 23’ S and 113deg 53’ E. The sighting of the first iceberg prompted the initiation of iceberg observations from the bridge by expeditioners rostered for the activity, they will take observations every 2 hours round the clock. The observations are to determine the spatial distribution of icebergs in the southern ocean. Any iceberg larger than the ship within a range of 6 nm from the ship is logged for position, height and length. This forms part of a research program into climate change.
In the last 24 hours we have deployed a further two Argo Float Buoys at Latitudes -57 and -59. Thanks to Sam, Penny and John and crew members of the Aurora Australis who have over the past few days got out of their bunks at some ungodly hours to expertly deploy these float buoys at the exact latitude positions.
We are celebrating Australia day today with some activities planned this afternoon. We are having an early Australia day as on the 26th January the resupply of Davis Station will be in full swing. Expeditioners at Davis are also celebrating Australia day today.
Cheers
Tony and Simon
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.