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The sun and warmth have finally arrived. Yesterday, expeditioners could be seen lapping up Vitamin D from all vantage points. There were people outside, some pacing the decks and others simply enjoying the ocean view. There were also the regular bridge-goers, with some even enjoying a relaxing nap in the sun. Today is another beautiful day for being outside; the sky is blue, the seas are calm, and, although windy, the air is at least bringing warmth from the North.
Last night, Derryn spoke about the aerial photography of Emperor Penguin colonies. Unlike Mawson, the Emperor Penguin colonies around Davis Station are inaccessible from land (well, sea ice). They must therefore use helicopters and small planes (Twin Otters) to identify colonies and estimate population size. We quickly learnt that flying around Antarctica and shooting photos of penguins is the fun job; attempting to count thousands of penguins from a series of aerial shots is the not-so-fun side of penguin science. After the presentation, we all dispersed to our evening activities. Some went straight to sleep, others to the Conference Room to use internet, and a group of eight met up in the mess to play 500.
Today, Anthony is running a returnable clothing session. It is an incredibly well-organised operation. Expeditioners must present between 0900-1200 and bring all clothing items that are deemed returnable. Anthony has checklists for each individual as well as chocolate and good music.
Finally (the most important news has been left for last), we are now on emergency coffee rations. Our last bag of coffee was emptied yesterday, but Ducky saved us all with a surprise bag of coffee he had reserved from station. This bag is quickly dwindling, however, and there are no more surprise coffee bags in sight... (but we really can't complain. We are still having grapes! After 38 days! And we have an abundance of tea, instant coffee, and American-style drip coffee. It is just Tasmanian beans that us coffee snobs are worried about).
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.