Information
Comments
Yesterday evening at 2100hs all resupply operations between the good ship Aurora and Casey station ended with all cargo, refuel and project support objectives safely and successfully completed.
With the last RTA container stowed and the last of our expeditioners accounted for, the station's zodiac's completed their final return to shore as the Aurora's bunker door ladder was retrieved and the hatch firmly sealed shut – bringing our collegial and productive collaboration to its natural conclusion. Inside the bowels of the ship, it was time for many to have a cup of tea and turn in for a well deserved sleep, free from early morning alarms or the spectre of rosters.
At 1100hs this morning, under overcast skies and with that stalwart weather companion - variable winds at our back.. front.. and then sides.. we heaved anchor and departed Casey, kindly farewelled by a gathering of expeditioners standing out in the crisp morning air. It was the moment Orlando had been waiting for all resupply.. charitable donations paid up he was summoned to the wheel house to sound the ship's horn. Under the scrutinising gaze of the officer of the watch, he surveyed the array of buttons and levers. 'No No Not that one!!.. ah wait.. ok yes.. that button'.
Yes. That's the one. We're out of here.
Now weaving our way through the pack ice, we are some 6 hours sailing from the point at which we shall commence our krill trawling this evening. Like all salty old seafarers before them, 'generation krill' are hoping for a bountiful haul tonight that will satisfy their scientific research requirements and contribute to the repopulation of the krill tanks back at Kingston after recent misfortunes.
A last word on resupply. Dave and I wish to convey our thanks again to all who have worked in support of this resupply be it on station, on the ship or in Hobart. In particular we wish to thank again the ship's crew for their unwavering efforts along with the watercraft operators, refuel team and all the expeditioners who manned the bunker door or monitored the fuel lines or otherwise supported ship or station function throughout. To the team at Casey under the leadership of Rebecca and Lorrienne we wish to congratulate you on your professionalism and thank you for your efforts. Have a brilliant end of summer season and to those staying on.. a wonderful winter.
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.