Our only way of moving heavy loads around the island, other than by helicopter during resupply periods, is by our zodiac inflatable rubber boats (IRBs). We have to make the most of windows of calm weather to undertake boating operations. As we missed out on helicopters during our resupply this year from L'Astrolabe, which is unable to operate helicopters here, we have needed to do lots of boating since in order to get supplies to the field huts. These tasks would otherwise have been done by the helicopters.
On Sunday we operated three boats to Green Gorge and Waterfall Bay huts on the east coast. We delivered hut food and other supplies to both huts and construction materials to Green Gorge for the foundations and footings for a new shelter for the VHF radio repeater on Mt Waite (which itself will come by helicopter next resupply). We also delivered wildlife ranger Mike to work around the southern end of the island, and communications technician Scotty to work at the other southern island radio repeater at Mt Jeffryes.
The three boats were skippered by our qualified coxswains Chris, Ian, Robbie and Lisa, and the activity provided a good opportunity for summer expeditioners Evan and Pat to sample the delights of the ocean wave at Macca.