Information
Comments
We successfully deployed the whale mooring yesterday afternoon. Anthony, Maddie, and the AIVIQ deck team set-up, switched on, and deployed the mooring off the back deck of the AIVIQ. A team of spectators, rugged up for the cold weather (although someone was still in shorts and a t-shirt), watched the operation unfold from the 02 deck.
The rest of the afternoon was taken up with meetings, briefings, trainings, and preparations for today's King Neptune ceremony. This ceremony will see first-time line-crossers (60-degree line of latitude) be granted passage into the Antarctic circle.
We have beautiful sailing conditions today. There is not a breath of wind on the water and only a small, gentle swell. A dwarf minke whale was spotted from the bridge this morning and there will no doubt be more wildlife spotted throughout the day.
Tonight, Jeff will deliver the refuelling brief. He will go over the refuelling operation from start to finish and clarify what each of the roles require. Almost every expeditioner will support the refuelling effort in one way or another, whether it be as a boat driver, valve monitor, or station slushy. This leg of the voyage has absolutely flown by and before we know it we will be pulling into Mawson Station and waving at our friends on the Happy Diamond.
REGARDS: Sam and Anthony
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.