As with all the best laid plans, nature doesn’t always get the memo. Whilst we’ve had some great weather and completed refueling successfully last week, the sea ice has resolutely stayed locked in Horseshoe Harbour, meaning there has been no access to the wharf for cargo operations. With time a'ticking, the decision was made to help the process along by using the resources at our disposal. The Aurora Australis broke up the ice through the middle of the harbour to create a channel, hoping this would be enough to start the ice breaking up. The next morning the channel was still there but no further ice had moved on and the wharf was still locked in sea ice, so the cavalry arrived in the shape of the barge and AA workboat, the AA2, to start ploughing a path to the wharf. After a few hours of diligent boat work, the wharf was reached and resupply could commence: a huge relief to all.
With multiple stops and starts for wind and blizzards, it’s not a uniform process but the action is all happening now. We’re hoping to complete operations in the next couple of days so the ship can continue onward to Davis and bring the out-going Mawson expeditioners ever closer to home.
By Esther, Station Leader