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Last night after our time running up and down the east coast in the relative sheltered waters, we turned towards a northerly direction one last time and departed Macquarie Island. There was no sneaking out under the cover of darkness for us though. Benoit the Master steered the ship close to the dim lights of the station one last time. Faint torch glows moved about the rugged coast line and the outline of small buildings could be seen as grey silhouettes on a dark canvass.
Rain teemed down onto the windows of the bridge as many expeditioner’s and crew alike gathered for a last peek at this southern ocean oasis. Jacque and her small team gave us the customary wave good bye using up the stations out of date flares and for a short time orange glows lit up the beach and mini magenta fireballs of parachute flares erupted skywards before slowly settling down and burning away to nothing. The ships two gigantic searchlights politely returned the farewell and a few loud honks of the horn saw us on our way out into rougher seas.
The ship has quietened down today as many people lay low, watch movies read or just catch up on some well-earned rest. It is pleasant to sit in the restaurant and overhear expeditioner’s recount tales of their time at ‘Macca’. Whether this be a young researchers 6 day hike around the plateau collecting soil samples, a trades person completing an annual recalibration of critical infrastructure or the Tasmanian Parks Ranger who is returning home after two years on the island.
Nicki and Mike
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.