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After making good time overnight, the Aurora Australis arrived at the anchorage just a little over a kilometre off Davis Station around 0700 (local time) - 1100 (Hobart time / AEST) this morning.
The last section of the transit to station took the vessel through spectacular ice fields, with many grounded bergs marking the route – as well as broken pack ice and the odd 'growler' (bluish-coloured lumps of ice which come from a glacier, and are therefore much thicker and harder than sea ice).
Although this last transit section was made around 0600, there were many eager expeditioners on the upper decks to make the most of the sort-of sunrise (the Davis region presently don't experience true darkness overnight), with cameras large and small lining the upper decks. We're now anchored close enough to Davis to clearly make out all of the station buildings, as well as taking in the stunning views around the large bay of large sections of coastline with exposed brown rock, interspersed by icebergs and sea-ice, and with the enormous white expanse of the ice dome framing the view from behind.
The expeditioners and crew ate breakfast and were then joined by the Davis Station Leader, Mr Robb Clifton, and head Field Training Officer for the station, Mr Marty Benavente, who came aboard to plan the days' activities. At this time of year Davis station is abuzz with activity, with helicopters, Twin Otter, Basler and C-130 Hercules flights arriving and departing from station regularly. The Aurora's added to the traffic, sending in our jet barge mid-morning to retrieve a large water tank which the ship is then filling with fresh water reserves generated at sea. The vessel will likely stay in the area for at least 24 hours shuttling the barge back and forth delivering more fresh water for the station. We also have an IRB (inflatable boat) providing support to the barge operations and acting as a 'taxi' service between ship and shore.
Every now and then its possible to glimpse a few penguins porpoising (diving in and out of the water as they swim) along the top of the water around the ship, chasing their next meal perhaps? Or just excited to be in this stunning and unique place like we are maybe?
Cheers
Mark & Fred
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.