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New Year's Eve passed on board the ship in a fairly understated manner.. handshakes exchanged as those still awake or on shift passed each other in the stairwells and corridors of the ship or on the bridge. For some walking the decks it was a time for quiet contemplation looking out upon silent snow covered hills beneath a blue sky and the glimmering sea below. The occasion will be celebrated after resupply has concluded as we return through the ice pack. Likewise, our Christmas gift exchange; the presents for which are still sitting beneath the tree in the library waiting for the team to be all together once again.
This morning, on calm seas our cargo transfer operation has commenced once again. Pallets of concrete have been the order of the day for transfer to shore as the crews work to empty the lower holds. In the meantime, members of our party have gone ashore for day trips to station whilst the ship has welcomed groups of expeditioners from station for the second day of the 'Aurora guided tour experience' (now complete with a gift shop).
Overnight we hosted the station's post-master on board the ship. Laying out his wares on the mess tables, expeditioners and crew alike came to purchase envelopes, postcards and stamps that may then be sent ashore for stamping and transfer home to loved ones. Also in the post-master's satchel was a collection of letters from various societies of 'philatelists'. Known by many other names, these people send to station a range of correspondence with the ambition of collecting certain stamps/signatures and covers for return as memorabilia and for some a means of profit. Artfully handballed by station and ship management, many of these, complete with an array of meticulous instructions as to which signatures or official stamps they wanted, and where, fell squarely upon the VLs desk. Not much of a form filler at the best of times, the VL appreciated the forbearance of the post-master who took him on a journey through the idiosyncratic demands and alternative international currency systems of this very special group of human beings.
Kind regards,
James and Dave
V2 Voyage Management
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.