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Mid this morning, the ship returned from its stooging grounds off the coast to find the winds at Casey lessening. A forecast update suggested a weather window may arise to enable at the very least, the embarkation of 8 expeditioners and their baggage to the ship and at best, potentially some cargo transfers. Supported by shore side boaties Mick D and Justin F, we were able to deploy both rigid inflatable boats quickly and within the hour the passenger and baggage transfer was complete. A meal break offered an operational pause to carefully review current weather conditions and forecasts, informing the decision to commence cargo operations for at least an hour, or until a change in weather indicated the arrival of the expected front. With constant monitoring of the meteorological data and surrounding environment for signs of a change by personnel both at station and on the bridge of the ship, the cargo operation continued at a steady pace throughout the afternoon and into the evening, thanks in no small part to the flexibility and 'can-do' attitude of the station team and their ship based colleagues manning the watercraft and bunker door. As winds began to pick up in the evening it was time to cash our chips and make for open water.
45kt winds and above at station overnight and into today have provided station with the opportunity for a well deserved lie in for most, and the chance to catch up on some domestics. The ship continues to stooge nearby ready for a break in the weather, however it is unlikely we shall see a window before Sunday now.
And now, for something completely different, an update from Gordon, the ship's resident composer.
'In honour of the upcoming retirement of the Aurora Australis, I'm composing a symphony to be performed by three different orchestras. A special feature of the symphony is that recordings will play along with the orchestra. I've been making recordings of the ship and of life at Casey Station and surroundings. So far my favorite sounds have been breaking through sea ice (recorded inside the bow of the AA), and the sound of a chunk of a huge chunk of ice falling into the sea near Reeve Hill. In recent days the legendary watercraft team have taken me around to a few coastal spots to make recordings (big thanks!). If you see me with my laptop, feel free to ask for a listen! I've composed quite a lot of music as well. Soon I'll have to figure out how it all fits together...'
Regards,
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.