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Overnight winds obligingly subsided this morning, allowing us to recommence cargo operations. Around 85% of station bound cargo has been received, and we are now simultaneously back-loading 'return to Australia' (RTA) cargo.
This afternoon, station and ship based watercraft operators conducted practical training for those expeditioners involved in the over-water refuel monitoring. When the time comes, those rostered souls will don mustang suits and man several rigid inflatable boats on a 4 hour on / 8 hour off roster for the duration of the refuel operation. Their job will be to patrol up and down the length of the fuel hose, monitoring it for any signs of damage and protecting it from wayward ice floes that might drift up against the fuel line. Day and 'night' ,come sun or come wind and snow, it requires good humour, physical strength and familiarity both with the handling of anchors, ropes and buoys and of the environment they are exposed to. This afternoon the teams were able to develop this, as well as to gain a preview into what works best for them from a clothing and preparation standpoint so that when refuelling begins they will be ready.
Also out on the water this afternoon were members of the ship's crew who took up the offer of a tour by our watercraft operators around the local area and onto the shore point at station. Whilst not visiting station itself, the crews were able to stretch their legs on the continent of Antarctica, throw a snowball (of sorts), wave to the Casey expeditioners and snap a photo or two of a curious penguin.
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.