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This morning cargo operations commenced at station with the harbour as calm as a mill pond and brilliant blue skies. Seizing on the good conditions, watercraft were lifted off the ship and put into operation transferring cargo to station including a new Hagglunds vehicle for Casey. Along with the barge, our watercraft team operated one rigid inflatable boat to ferry 20 expeditioners to station including 4 ship's crew, a number of whom had not previously set foot on the continent and were keen for a chance to stretch their legs. Other passengers disembarking included those supporting a number of policy, infrastructure and science projects on station and members of the refuel team who arrived to commence station based preparations for their refuel operation. Gordon, our resident composer also set forth onto station for his second day to make acoustic recordings that would inform his composition, whilst three Davis bound expeditioners made use of the extended transit time to see the sights of Casey. In the midst of a resupply operation with many moving parts, accommodating this number of day tripping expeditioners is not without its challenges but all are grateful for the opportunity to stretch legs, conduct project work and see the sights. At least that was the plan.
By mid-morning the still waters of the harbour were becoming a little choppy as our ten minute wind averages were consistently increasing, projecting a trend that would see the safe working parameters of station based plant equipment and watercraft exceeded. With plenty of time still to manoeuvre, a final cargo run was conducted before the barge was refuelled at the wharf and made ready for passengers. Our day tripping expeditioners had no sooner commenced their day's work / station inductions than they were compelled back to the wharf to board the barge for a return to the ship. Good humoured in their bright yellow outer shells they reboarded in time for lunch.
Once the watercraft had been hoisted aboard the ship and with an additional forecast estimate confirming the arrival of the anticipated front, the decision was made to suspend resupply operations, with ship's crew preparing the ship for departure from harbour for the expanse of the sea beyond. Whilst by no means a very strong front, the winds experience do probibit crane and watercraft operations, and those expected overnight can pose a challenge for the crew maintaining position in a harbour whose bottom lacks sufficient purchase for an anchor.
So we're off and look forward to a return in the coming day or so, weather permitting.
Regards,
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.