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OPERATIONAL SUMMARY:
* Vessel in transit to Davis Station.
Today the Aurora Australis continued its transit towards Davis station, passing within sight of several pillar-like rocky peaks which dot the coastline around Cape Darnley, the most prominent continental feature between the two Australian Antarctic stations. The day was a chance for many of the expeditioners and crew who'd been heavily involved in resupply activities to make the most of the lull between operations to rest, with some watching movies or reading books while others took in the impressive scenery en route.
The Aurora has passed through bands of pack ice and between large bergs throughout the day, with a sunny period after lunch providing excellent wildlife viewing and photographic opportunities. Emperor and Adelie penguins, crab eater and elephant seals, Antarctic and Cape petrels, Antarctic fulmars, skuas and Giant Petrels were regularly sighted amongst others.
This evening the Aurora will retrace the same track undertaken almost three weeks ago, this time in the opposite (West to East) direction, past a distinctive area of significant icebergs, all grounded along the same long stretch of shallow seabed. To commence this passage, a 'steel-deck' barbecue was held on the trawl deck, with expeditioners and crew all wearing layers of thermal clothing, gloves, beanies, scarves and boots to ward off the cold while enjoying the novelty of a barbecue being cooked with icebergs, sea ice and sea birds as our background.
The vessel expects to arrive within the vicinity of Davis station around mid-afternoon tomorrow, after observing a second time change to bring us into line with Davis' time zone UTC +7 (or four hours behind Hobart / AEST). Shortly after our arrival, and weather conditions permitting, the returning summer expeditioners from Davis will join the vessel, swelling expeditioner numbers aboard to a little over 100 personnel, plus the Aurora's crew.
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.