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We departed Hobart yesterday at 1530, and headed down the Derwent River with a brisk 30-35 knot "breeze" in attendance. Many thanks to all involved for their assistance and long hours working towards our on-time departure. We had been watching the forecast sea state for our departure for a number of days, with models predicting we were heading straight into 11m and greater waves, and gale-to-storm force winds. Effectively, this would have meant heading into appalling seas, and not getting very far anyway, with the added peril of breaking equipment (or people) on day 1 of the first voyage of the season: not a great start. As they say, "discretion is the better part of valour": we headed for Adventure Bay in the lee of Bruny Island, dropped anchor, and have spent the day anticipating the right moment to stick our head out into the Southern Ocean. Our crystal ball tells us that this will be at 0600 tomorrow morning.
The day was hardly wasted, and can best be described as the most gentle introduction to an Antarctic voyage EVER. People have been exploring the ship, making sure their cabins are in good order, and those of us who are prone to seasickness as soon as we depart, have been seen frolicking and smiling at meal times. Ingoing Station Leader Robb gave us a run-down on what the summer season will involve for those travellers amongst us lucky enough to be staying at Davis.
All onboard are outrageously well, and wishing conditions like this (bobbing gently at anchor) were the norm for the Southern Ocean. I suspect tomorrows SITREP may be slightly different...
Doug & Andrew
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.