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Sunrise revealed clear skies to the horizon for the first time in three
days. We quickly despatched a helicopter and flew a reconnaissance
flight discovering a possible lead a few miles ahead of the ship. Other
than this, as far as the eye can see in every direction is ice, even
from a few thousand feet up in a helicopter. Not ideal.
The weather continued to improve, enough to fly a RAPPL's (Radar, Aerial
Photography, Pyrometer, Laser Scanner) transect flight after a quick lunch.
We also attempted to retrieve a buoy that was left at the last ice
station. We can still see a weather mast through binoculars now the
visibility has improved (so we've not got too far in the last 3 days!).
Some expeditioners were keen to go by foot "we’ll go by helicopter" was
the quick reply! Unfortunately we were unable to find the buoy after all
the new snowfall, even after an hour searching on the ground...
We are currently breaking ice in an attempt to get to a lead out of
here! If that is unsuccessful we'll consider an ice station on one of
the nearby floes.
Cheers
Andy, Brett
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.