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We stopped a few miles short of the ice edge, open water a dark grey sliver in the distance. After discussion it was decided to wait to get a bit more weather and ice data before proceeding to the western crack, as there was concern the ice may close on us in a few days time.
In the interim we turned about and sailed south for a few miles until we found an ice floe to sample for the trace metals team. The first floe broke as the brow was lowered (probably not by the weight of the brow but by the rolling of the ship as the crane swung it over the side). The next floe proved to be more solid and sampling commenced. It takes about
3-4 hours for the team to core and cut up the ice and then take water and brine samples. The ship held alongside on the stern thrusters without problems, mostly due to the heavy pack all around.
Once complete we sailed north for 4 miles to open water and are now on the way east to the Mertz Glacier area just past the French station of Dumont D'Urville. Lots of whales around so a possible chance to catch krill...
Cheers
Andy 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.