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Yesterday we had an interesting ship track on the underway data screens due to the ship moving around ice and through patches of water finding our way to the polynya. The underway data screens provide real time information including ship position, speed and weather data. A polynya is a body of water within the ice.
Once we entered the polynya we made great time and as a result arrived at the fast ice at 0535 this morning at the exact way point plotted. A ‘V’ shape was in the ice that appeared to be custom made for the ship to travel through. We were welcomed into the fast ice by various groups of Adelie penguins and conducted helicopter operations among the glistening icebergs.
It is an absolute cracker of a day – perfect flying conditions. 18 flights were conducted with key personnel transferred to Davis Station by midday to commence inductions and briefings in preparation for Resupply and their science projects.
We are now in the ‘breaking into’ the ice stage where we go backwards and forwards as we gradually edge our way to our final resupply position. This can be a very time consuming activity with a lot of concentration by the crew driving the ship. We need to be within 4km of station to undertake refuelling operations but hopefully will make it to within 2 km. Being within 2 km also cuts time off resupply as the vehicles have less distance to travel to the ship to pick up and deliver cargo.
Cheers Leanne and Mick
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.