Information
Comments
This morning the ship stirred from its nest in the ice and turned tail back towards the continent, narrowing the gap once again between ship and station. Heading first South and then East, our goal was the polynya across which we had first traversed towards Casey on our original Southbound leg. Also the place we had spent several days and nights pacing back and forth as we waited for winds to accommodate a return to station during the resupply period. Nearing its Westerly edges, many of the expeditioners on board paced the decks, enjoying the sensation of being in motion once more, and finding our path eased by looser ice floes frequented by the occasional penguin and seal.
Gliding across the still and blue waters of the polynya we headed with purpose to its northernmost edge, our passage informed by updated satellite imagery and forecasts suggesting the prospect of some thin leads that might gradually oblige us given the right winds. Through the later morning and afternoon the crew tried ceaselessly to exploit any areas of weakness.. guided by those up in the crow's nest, pushing and probing to the north of Peterson Banks. To the east a field of large grounded icebergs that we advisedly kept our distance from.
Having treated the expeditioners to an impromptu iceberg tour complete with marine life and sunshine, presided over by our resident Statler and Waldorf pair (Brad C and Mick S) in their deckchairs, the crew have chosen an open expanse of water within the sea ice north of the Polynya as a good place to overnight, in expectation of some more Westerly winds tomorrow to ease the compaction of the ice and offer some new options.
Tonight, Gordon, Snowy and their new band, The SOP's [I'm told that stands for Southern Ocean Players ; )] are hosting a music and story evening on the trawl deck complete with hot chocolate and fire drum, where those gathered will be encouraged to share tales of adventure beginning with 'This one time in Antarctica...'
What a wonderfully committed and imaginative bunch of people to see the new year in with.
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.