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Today, calmer seas as we distance ourselves from the series of westerly cold fronts passing above us and approach the edge of the sea ice. Resupply planning continues in earnest with the finalisation of workgroup rosters, operational planning documents and equipment checks. Briefings were conducted with ship's crew on the local operating area around Casey and some of the AAD's environmental protocols. Further briefings were held with AAD expeditioners regarding the resupply operational plan, concept of operations for the coming week and tomorrow's draft operations plan. All looking good on paper, their practicality remains contingent on weather, our arrival time (sea ice remaining an important variable), and considerations at station. Fortunately the team there are professionals at this game and we near station with a high degree of confidence of everyone's capacity to adapt as required.
Station has a reduced number of expeditioners, field and aviation activities this year, due to the organisation's response to COVID-19. Whilst there maybe be a reduced operational tempo on station, the actual workload at Casey has in some respects increased, with a reduced station contingent busy maintaining general station function, undertaking a multitude of infrastructure projects and, more recently preparing for the annual resupply.
And now, some observations from Dave (WA), one of the Casey bound expeditioners on board:
'I've been told this has been an exceptionally smooth ride to Casey. I wouldn't know better as it's my first time south - I'm just pleased not to feel seasick. More so even because of the exceptional food served up three times daily which I'd hate to miss. Stair climbs are useful to work off dessert; cabin to pantry, pantry to bridge, bridge to mess, mess to cabin. Repeat.
The Everest crew have helped keep us entertained too, with tours of the engine rooms and the dive chambers that I think everyone agreed, were exceptional. Additional entertainment was found above deck by three Sei whales spotted recently amongst a smattering of icebergs drifting north. Sadly, they declined our invite for tea and biscuits, possibly because they didn't recognize the new ship.'
Regards,
James, Jenn and Andy
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.