Information
Comments
It feels like a very different ship here today. Not the best conditions to get a good night's sleep in, with the vessel rolling about and the wind howling around the superstructure. A course change last night was much appreciated as it eased conditions for us and sleep was possible again. We know that eventually we'll have to come back into the rolling direction but for now we'll take the respite as we head sort of towards New Zealand for a while. We're still moving north so everyone is happy.
Onboard the galley crew are again looking after us with a smorgasboard of options at each meal for those who are able to be upright and contemplate food. For some meal times offer the only break between report writing, moving watching or in some cases laying in their bunks just waiting for this sea journey to be over. Every voyage I remain impressed with the compassion our expeditioners show to others - there are currently many meals, dry biscuits and water being taken to cabins for unwell cabin mates at meal times. Often this is the difference between them being sick or just feeling sick - the core advice here at the moment is just lay down!
As we're now just over 24 hours from seeing land the packing up is beginning and we're starting to read the newspapers a bit more closely to get an idea of what has happened at home whilst we've been away. The AAD has been sending us information about the developing situation at home as soon as it become available but there is definitely an air or apprehension now present on the ship as people wonder how this will effect them and their loved ones at home. Living onboard a ship it is always important to practice really good hand hygiene so we're all pretty good at that one but social distancing is certainly something that we'll all soon need to master.
We are expecting to arrive in Hobart into the river late on Tuesday night, with clearances and disembarkation scheduled for Wednesday 25 March 2020. Tuesday night we are planning a little celebration dinner onboard as a chance for everyone to mark the end of an era with the retirement of the Aurora Australis from the Australian Antarctic Program.
Cheers, Nicki and Chris.
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.