After arriving at Davis Station – one of the most amazing sights is to see the Aurora Australis parked in the ice.
The Davis re-supply takes place over the sea ice. At the 3 other Australian Antarctic bases the re-supply takes place over water.
As mentioned in previous posts – the AA finally made it through the fast ice to a location at which it was safe to carry out the re-supply of cargo and fuel.
As there was not enough beds on station – some people were still sleeping on the AA and coming ashore for ‘day trips’. A couple of days after arriving at Davis I was fortunate enough to get a ride to the ship in a hägglund to bring a couple of day trippers back.
Driving out over the sea ice to the Aurora AustralisOn the way out to the AA – passing Anchorage Island
The Aurora was parked around 3.5 km off Davis – re-supply was in full swing and they had run the fuel line from the ship to the station fuel tanks.
The Aurora Australis in the ice – the fuel line can be seen on the starboard side
At the stern of the ship was an open channel – the ships path through the fast ice. There were many adélie penguins resting on the ice alongside this channel.
A gathering of adélie penguins alongside the channel cut through the ice by the AA
Over 3 days around 830,000 litres of diesel was transferred from the AA to the station fuel tanks.
The fuel line extends from the starboard side of the Aurora AustralisThe bright red/orange colour of the ship is a stark contrast to the snow and ice. Also the blue hägglund is small against the imposing size and shape of the AAAmazing to see the Aurora Australis from this perspectiveMany of the local adélie penguin population came to take a closer look at fuel line and the big orange thing that appeared in their worldAdélie penguins make their way to the stern to where the open water may supply a short cut to the open watersOur blue taxi awaits
I managed to go out to the Aurora Australis a second time, but this time a group of us walked out across the sea ice on under a beautiful, clear and sunny sky.
Walking across the sea ice towards the AA – following the channel made by the fuel line
On the way out to the ship we came across a group of adélie penguins. in their myopic state they come towards us – thinking that we are also penguins. Then they suddenly realise that we are not what we seem.
Adélie penguins coming to check us outA picture tells a thousand wordsAn impressive sight out on the iceA pair of beautiful adélie penguins The ice bergs look amazing
As we got nearer to the AA – one of the crew came out towards us. It turned out to be the captain Gerry O’ – it was great to see him.
Captain Gerry O’ and I pose in front of the AARe-supply was still in full swing and going wellThe AA looks impressive from every angleThe pink hägglund “Opal” was being used as a taxi
I got a ride back to the station in ‘Opal’ the pink hägglund – I had to be back to open the Post Office. The mail bag would depart with the Aurora Australis.
Later the same evening I had one last trip out to the ship – this time I brought along all the postal stuff (first day covers, stamp packs, and post cards) for the crew to purchase and send.
Stepping out of the helicopter onto the helipad at Davis – I had this overwhelming sense of familiarity.
As we walked down the road to the Living Quarters (LQ) It was amazing to look out across the frozen expanse of Prydz Bay. The Aurora Australis could be seen amongst the distant icebergs slowly making its way to its ‘parking area’.
The AA making it’s way through the sea ice to its ‘parking area’. The winter crew has graded a road to and from this parking area
This is the third time I had been to Davis. First as a forecaster during the southern summer in 2005/06 and the 2nd time was on my way home from Casey Station in 2008.
Most of the buildings were familiar, though when I stepped into the new Living Quarters it was like stepping into a ski resort.
After some familiarisation I brought my gear up to my room (44) in the SMQ (Sleeping and Medical Quarters.
This is what I was greeted with when I entered my roomThe view from Room 44 in the SMQ
After some lunch in the spacious dining area – I was included in a group of new arrivals to go through station induction, which concluded with a tour of the station.
Station tour – looking west – The ANARESAT radome on the left, the yellow Operations building in the centre and the corner of the Green LQ on the rightMeanwhile re-supply was in full swing – one of the helicopters sling loading a cage pallet
We entered a new building that housed the brand new waste water treatment plant – a state of the art treatment facility that is of such good design that it is said to produce water that is of drinking quality – though this will not be its purpose.
Part of the new Davis Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant (AWTP)Water tanks in the Tank House
Next stop on the tour was the EVS (Emergency Vehicle Shed) This is where Davis’s version of a fire truck – which is a Hägglundwith the trailer converted to a water tanker and pumping station. Also in the EVS is the SAR (Search and Rescue) Hägglund and to SAR Quad bikes.
The Fire Hägglund and the SAR Quad bikes in the EVS
Continuing our tour we entered as many of the buildings as was safe to do so.
there are 3 Hägglunds on station – this blue one would soon return to Australia on the Aurora Australis
Many of the buildings are made up of modules which are reconfigured shipping containers.
A bit of comic relief in the Science Project marshalling building (shared with Field Store and Boating shed) – note this building is mostly constructed with shipping containers
There are also many large vehicles. These give the station the look of a mine site.
A serious fork lift – complete with snow chainsThere are many shipping containers scattered all around the station – mostly used for storage
At all four Australian Antarctic bases the biggest building on station is usually the Green Store. This is where most the supplies for the year are kept. The Green Store at Davis also has a Gymnasium, spa and sauna room. Because of its height it also has a decent climbing wall.
Inside the Green Store – several huge storage racks which are moveable on rails. There is a fork lift which can reach the highest shelvesInside the Green Store – The awesome climbing wall on the right and on the left access to the gym, sauna and spa
When we arrived at Davis the summer melt had just begun. On the 11th of November the sun was set at 11:25 pm and rose on the 12th at 3:38 am. In the hours between sunset and sunrise the sun was only just below the horizon, so during these hours it was twilight.
The sun would set for the last time at 1:11 am on the 24th of November then rise at 1:56 am – from this time the sun would be above the horizon until the 18th of January 2017.
Snow drift near a small fuel tank next to the Science buildingDuring the winter season the snow would accumulate on the lee side of buildings, hills or any large object – this is known as a blizz tailSnow sculptured by the wind around some of the site services – The pipes carry water, waste water and fuel between buildings – these are well insulated and have heated wires (traces) through them to stop them from freezingBlizz tail in the lee of the old, unused LQ (Living Quarters)A different view of the blizz tail in the lee of the old LQWind sculptured blizz tail in the lee of the new LQSemi permanent blizz tail of Anchorage Island – about 2 km from stationThe Aurora Australis close to its parking spot on the 12th of November – view taken from in front of the Weather (BoM) building showing the Pineapple and old Weather balloon building (red)
There is plenty of International co-operation in Antarctica. On the 12th of November we had a Chinese Basler aircraft land on the sea ice in front of the station. The Basler The plane is flown by Canadian pilots. This aircraft was used to ferry expeditioners and some supplies between Casey, Davis and Mawson stations.
The black flags mark the skiway/runway on the sea ice in front of Davis Station. In the background are hundreds of icebergs embedded in the sea iceThe Basler approaches the skiway from the southThe Basler just about to land on the sea ice runwayThe CHINARE Basler has landedExpeditioners await the arrival of passengers from the Basler
Whilst the station was in full re-supply mode – I was in the Met office for a few days with the outgoing Met OIC (Craig) as he handed over the Met office duties. This is quite a intensive time on station with so much happening.
Wide-angle phot0 of some of the weather instruments – Stevenson Screen and snow guageAnother wide-angle – showing the anemometer, Craig and the blue Met building
During some down time – I managed to have short walks to familiarise myself with the station.
The AA in its parking spot about 3.4km off station. In the foreground big tide cracks and ridges can be seenStanding in front of the Davis sign post
For seven days the station was very busy with re-supply and re-fueling. Around 900000 litres of diesel fuel was transferred from the ship to the station in a 48 hour operation. Also all the food and other supplies came ashore and were packed away for the up-coming year.
All hands on deck – unloading produce from a sea container into the cold store beneath the LQA brand new ‘ferrari red’ hägglund arrives on station
A very important vehicle arrived on station – a pink hägglund called Opal – a tribute to those whose lives have been affected by cancer. There will be more about Opalin a future blog post.
Opal the pink hägglund arrives across the sea ice to Davis StationOpal arrives at the station
I came back to my room after a shift and found I could not enter. All my gear had arrived and as a joke they piled all the boxes and crates in my doorway. It was exciting unpacking and setting up my own space.
Unpacking all my boxes and crates
one of my jobs on station is Post Office Manager. in the middle of re-supply I received the crate filled with postal stuff – including First Day of issue envelopes and stamps. It also included all the packaging and other paraphernalia needed to send letters and packages back to Australia and the rest of the world. That night I opened the Post Office.
The
Late one evening after 10pm the conditions outside were superb – so I went for a walk around station taking photographs, trying all the lens that I brought. It was a beautiful still and sunny night.
Looking out over the sea ice at the distant ice bergs
The soon to be RTA’d (Return To Australia) red hägglund parked near the link (disused) between the SMQ and the old LQIcicles form on the snow and ice that has been graded from the roadway – The AA in its parking spotThe Davis sign next to the Operations BuildingA closer view of the Davis signThe LQ (darker green) and the SMQI love my new Nikkor Micro 105mm f2.8
Next Time – The Aurora Australis parked in the Ice….
At 4:30pm on the 9th of November (day 14 on Voyage 1) we reached the fast ice around 10 nautical miles (18.5 km) from Davis Station. After travelling about 2650 nautical miles (~4,900km) in 14 days to get to this point one could imagine that the last few miles would take a few hours at most….
Approaching the fast ice we passed many beautiful icebergs.
A iceberg stationed on the edge of the fast ice with the Vestfold Hills in the backgroundA beautiful iceberg on our port side as we neared the fast iceTo the north of our position were icebergs of many colours, shapes and sizes packed closely togetherIcebergs embedded in the fast ice
At 4:30pm the Aurora Australis was travelling at 12 knots ready to cut through the ice edge and deliver us to Davis Station.
There were many adélie penguins to witness our progress through the iceMany expeditioners were also on the decks to witness our first attempt at breaking through the fast iceWe rammed the ice edge at speed but within 30 m we had come to a standstill
After the first few attempts at ramming the fast ice it became apparent that this was going to be a long slow process.
After the first attempts of breaking into the fast ice parts of the ice sheet broke off and started drifting in the strengthening winds
Oh well — might as well enjoy the slow trip through the ice. It allowed us to take many photographs as we inched past each amazing iceberg.
Beautiful icebergs in the fast iceThis berg was fairly close to our starboard sideA couple of Emperor penguins amongst a group of adélie penguins, watch with curiosity as the big orange boat (bob) passes. The Sørsdal Glacier is in the distant background
As the sun traversed the horizon it illuminated the ice and icebergs in many different hues. There was a mention that the penguins on the ice were travelling much faster then the AA.
Icebergs that we had passed earlier looked so different in the evening light Hundreds of penguins came to see what was travelling through their worldSome adélie penguins find it easier to slide along the ice on their belly
Meanwhile snow petrels in their hundreds gathered in our wake, possibly opportunistic feeding in the waters stirred up by the Aurora Australis.
Hundreds of snow petrels in our wakeHard to see the hundreds of snow petrels roosting on the ice out of the freshening winds
At this time the sun was above the horizon for 24 hours a day. We will not see the sunset again until mid February. Later in the evening the sun was low on the horizon, casting an eerie purple glow on the landscape.
The beautiful evening glow a half hour before midnight
The next day – 10th November – I was up on the Bridge very early. Since arriving at the fast ice at 4:30pm yesterday we have only progressed around 1km (in 14 hours). So during the morning helicopter operations commenced – to fly essential persons the short distance to the station.
Early morning on day 15 of the voyage – shows we have progressed only ~ 1km through the fast ice (in 14 hours)“March of the penguins” – port side early morning of the 10th of November
The following 3 photos were taken with a wide angle lens – Samyang 14mm F2.8
11th November – early morning – starboard side – to the southwest11th November – early morning – our trail through the fast ice11th November – early morning – port side – slow progress towards the Vestfold Hills
There were large numbers of penguins seeming to wander aimlessly across the ice.
Adélie penguins marching northward – Vestfold Hills in the backgroundMore adélie penguins walking across the fast ice. They seem to know where they are going
Later that afternoon I had my first real glimpse of Davis Station – home for the next 12 months.
Davis Station amongst the Vestfold Hills
The slow pace continued during the day as we inched closer to our goal. The ship would reverse back down its track for 200m to 300m, then full throttle forward to ram the sea ice, riding over the top of then crushing through with the sheer weight of the steel hull. This process gained another 20m. They would repeat this routine time and time again.
Adélie penguins gather behind the ship on the side of our track in the iceAdélie penguins purposely marching to an unknown destinationTaken from the bow of the AA. Late evening on the 1oth of November – our track clearly visible to the stern of the ship
Early on the 11th of November, the clouds cleared to a beautiful sunny morning. We were still slowly progressing through the ice to our goal – a point close enough to carry out re-fuelling the station across the sea ice.
The early morning sun sheds a different light on the pristine landscapeGreat early morning sun provides perfect light for photographyPenguin tracks criss cross the snow covered iceIn the bright morning sun the coloured buildings of Davis were easier to seeThe surreal ice bergs off Davis lit by the bright early morning sun
At 9am we were told to be ready to fly. Essentially I was packed and ready, so I went all over the Aurora Australis taking last minute pictures of our home for the last 2 weeks.
This beautiful print “All the Tracks of the Aurora Australis” hangs on the wall of one of the landings of the main stairwellDamian hams it up for the photo – pointing to our names on the E-deck white board – we were on flight #7From the porthole of cabin D27Amazing light – A last look from the decks of the Aurora AustralisA lone snow petrel provides a stark contrast against the darkening cloud
At 0945 on the 11th of November we were asked to go to the helideck and board our flight to Davis.
Flight #6 just about to lift off for the short flight to Davis Station“Uniform Uniform Hotel” departs for Davis Station
We arrived at Davis Station at just after 10am on the 11th of November 2016.
It is an amazing experience to step onto the Antarctic continent
During the evening of day 10 (6th November) of the voyage we passed out of the Furious fifties and into the Screaming Sixties. Through the skills of the captain and crew of the AA we managed to avoid the worst of what the Southern Ocean had to offer.
Being close to the ice edge, we expected to see more icebergs and we were not disappointed.
The intricate patterns of a large tabular iceberg that drifted past the port side
All icebergs are fresh water and are the result of pieces breaking off the Antarctic ice shelfs or glaciers. Nearly 90% of an iceberg is below the surface of the water.
As we sailed further south towards Davis we started to see more wildlife.
A lone adélie penguin scurries across an ice floe to get away from BOBPassing through a field of icebergs near 60ºS
As we progressed southward we encountered thicker patches of pack ice.
Leaving a trail through the extensive coverage of pack iceFairly easy going through the vast expanse of pack iceCape petrels were our constant travelling companions – this one shows the ships red colour reflected on its plumage
Just when we thought we were in the thick sea ice – we would come across wide expanses of open water with scattered icebergs on every horizon.
Crepuscular rays extend out below the cloud, providing a sombre backdrop for icebergs
For a number of days the depth of the ocean below the hull of the Aurora Australis was around 4000 metres (13,125 ft) or deeper. Early on day 12 we passed over Gribb Bank with the depth rising rapidly to 2000 metres (6,600 ft).
Early morning sun on day 12 sheds a different ambience on the sea iceWe came upon several large tabular icebergs seeming to keep each other company in this wild frozen landscapeJust after noon on day 12 – a couple of adélie penguins take refuge on a icebergCruising through the pack ice
during the afternoon of the 7th of November we were given permission (from the Bridge watch) to venture out onto the bow of the ship. This gives a whole new perspective on travelling through the sea ice.
Taken from the bow of the ship as we crush through the pack ice
Being on the bow also gave me the opportunity to use my Micro lens.
Close up of ice formation on the bulkhead at the bow of the AAThe ships colourful paintwork provides a stark background for ice crystalsSea spray frozen on the hawseholeThis is one of my favourite photos with the Micro lens
Later that afternoon we passed some more stunning icebergs and once again we were in the thicker sea ice.
Every iceberg has its own story – this one has sharp rugged edges suggesting that large bits have broken off or it has broken off a larger bergAt times there seemed to be endless pack-ice ahead of usDistant snow showers on the Southern horizonEnjoying the view and the ride from the bow of the Aurora AustralisIt never ceases to amaze me seeing the stunning, vivid blue colour of the sea ice under the water
I was up on the Bridge early on day 13 (8th Nov) and was amazed that the extensive pack ice of the night before had been left in our wake and there was very few icebergs around. We were near 65ºS and were expecting to be in thick sea ice all the way to Davis. Here we were cruising at 12 knots and making very good time…. This can change suddenly. Within the hour we were well and truly back in the thick of it.
The further south we went – we began to see more and more wildlife – a crab eater seal on the sea ice to our port sideIn the early afternoon the sea ice seemed to extend forever
Whiteout has been defined as: “A condition of diffuse light when no shadows are cast, due to a continuous white cloud layer appearing to merge with the white snow surface. No surface irregularities of the snow are visible, but a dark object may be clearly seen. There is no visible horizon.
Almost “white out” conditions – when there is little or no distinction between the cloud and the snow covered sea iceWhite Out conditions at the Casey ski-way – taken when I was there late 2007
Later in the afternoon we had a visit from the King. This was supposed to happen as we crossed 60ºS, but due to circumstances beyond his control King Neptune paid us a visit on the afternoon of the 8th of November. The audience with the King and his entourage to place in the E-deck mess. Expeditioners who had not been south before were called to pay homage – and drink the special drink, be covered in slime and kiss the fish.
King Neptune and his cohorts arrive on E-deckKissing the Royal FishThe next group of inductees kneel before the KingThe King’s official photographer was the colour coordinated character on the right
After cleaning up the mess in the mess, we had a grill dinner on the Trawl deck at the stern of the ship.It was quite cold out there and the expeditioners that attended were all dressed in their Antarctic kit.
Photo taken from the trawl deck, where we had gathered for a grill dinner
After dinner most of us gathered in the E-deck mess. I had donated two photos which I had printed with a matt board surround then packaged. These were auctioned at 6:30pm and the proceeds went to the charity Camp Quality
The first picture to be auctioned was of the Aurora Australis taken at night after mid-winters dinner in Hobart.
The Aurora Australis in Hobart on mid-winter’s night
The bidding opened at $100 and there seemed to be a lot of interest and in a very short time the bids were in the $300’s. The bid that finally won was for $400
The second photo was of Russell Falls in Mt Field National Park.
Russell Falls in Mt Field National Park – September 2016
Again the opening bid was $100 and again the bidding was frenetic. The winning bid was $300.
One of the expeditioners (Mick) offered his time to clean a cabin. The bidding for this was won at $350. All up we raised $1050 for the charity. Iwas amazed and humbled by the generosity of the expeditioners and crew on board the AA.
After the auction I went up on the Bridge to experience the stunning sea ice as we progressed further south.
New ‘pancake’ ice developingHeading towards the setting sun late on day 13 of V1This ice formation is called nilas – definition below
Nilas designates a sea ice crust up to 10 centimetres (3.9 in) in thickness. It bends without breaking around waves and swells. Nilas can be further subdivided into dark nilas – up to 5 centimetres (2.0 in) in thickness and very dark, and light nilas – over 5 centimetres (2.0 in) in thickness and lighter in colour. (Wikipedia)
The late evening sun casts stark shadows across the sea ice
Overnight we crossed the Antarctic Circle which is approximately at latitude 66º 34′ S. South of this latitude the sun is expected to be above the horizon for at least one 24 hour period.
Taken just before midnight on the 8th of November – We crossed the Antarctic Circle in the early hours of the 9th of November
I woke on the morning of the 9th of November to find the wind and snow had returned and that we were only around 60 nautical miles from Davis. This is the Sitrep from that morning.
Early morning snow on the 9th of November (day 14 of V1)
During the day preparations were well underway for our arrival at Davis. This included cleaning all our gear that may have mud or seeds from use in Australia. It also included a thorough induction on helicopter familiarisation and travel.
Surprisingly our travel through the sea ice was fairly easy and by mid afternoon on the 9th of November we sighted the brown of the Vestfold Hills.
Our first glimpse of the Vestfold Hills – around 3:30pm on the 9th of November
We reached the Fast Ice (sea ice that is grounded or attached to land), 10 nautical miles from Davis at around 4:30 pm on the 9th of November. Nearly there and only a matter of a short time and we would step ashore. Well Antarctica is always full of surprises.
Next……..A slow motion journey through the Fast Ice.
It was getting decidedly colder, but wasn’t to unpleasant to be out on the decks. Also we hadn’t really seen any big seas yet, however things were going to change.
Enjoying the evening sun on a pleasant cruise to the AntarcticSnow showers in the distance to the port side – it is getting colder
As we sailed further south and west the days became longer.
Sunset at around 9:30pm on day 5 of the voyage
On day 6 of the voyage we encountered some very light winds and low seas. This was the calm before the storm. The computer models were suggesting that we would be heading straight into a deepening Low Pressure system.
The AA heading SW…. the Eye of the Storm heading SE
This was early on day 7 of the voyage. As you can see from the next picture we were at 58ºS with a following wind of 40 knots. Under all that cloud we encountered heavy snow.
This from the Ships display – We had a 40 knots wind on our sternHeavy snow on the helideck. A group does a field training exercise on using a GPS
During day 7 we kept steaming in a SW direction – aiming for the relatively lighter conditions near the south of the deepening low centre. The result was the wind was from the stern which consequently knocked down the heavier southwest swell
The cross marks our position. We set a course for the southern section of the low, to avoid the worst of the conditions to the north of the low centre
The pressure kept falling rapidly during the day – almost dropping to 940 hPa. In the tropics a pressure this low can be found in the centre of a severe tropical cyclone or hurricane.
The barograph on the Bridge shows the pressure dropped 30 hPa in a 24 hour periodA plot of our positions – superimposed on a wind and MSLP forecast chart
On day 8 of the voyage we passed just south of the low where we encountered a bigger swell from the southwest. The temperature of the air as well as the ocean decreased (air -2℃) as we encountered strong to gale force southerly winds which seemed to be blowing up from the Antarctic continent. The Captain also set a westerly course to keep us north of the main pack ice.
The barograph shows that the pressure rose as fast as it fell, ultimately falling to as low as 942 hPaPloughing through the southwesterly swell
Around 10am we saw our first signs of sea ice.
First sighting of sea ice at 10am on the 3rd of November
Once we saw the first signs of ice, it became, at times, a torrent of floating ice. Late afternoon a large iceberg was spotted on the southwest horizon and at 8pm that evening the First Mate (Madeleine) declared the winner of the iceberg tipping competition. My 15 minute time slot was a little after the official declaration.
With the first big iceberg spotted – many of the expeditioners were on the Bridge searching for bergs on the horizon
By late evening we had sailed into a break in the clouds, so there was excellent viewing and many icebergs, large and small, photographed.
Late evening on day 8 of the voyage and we were in a clear slot in the weather and cloudThe iceberg in the distance was the first large one seen on this voyageAlmost perfect conditions in the far Southern Ocean at 58º 30′ S – This was late evening on the 8th of November
Because of the relatively calm conditions many expeditioners were on the Bridge enjoying the sun and occasional iceberg.
The occasional large iceberg seen in the late evening of day 8 of the voyageMany icebergs are silhouetted by the setting sun on a crystal clear eveningAt these latitudes there were many Cape petrels flying around the shipSunset was around 10:40pm
After the sunset the evening twilight lasted for another hour. During this time we entered several ice fields. was beautiful as we encountered more and more ice. In just over 12 hours after seeing the first ice the ship was completely surrounded.
Serene sailing through an ice field at 11pmAs it got darker we started to see more and more ‘bergy bits’Icebergs come in so many shapes, sizes and coloursThe Aurora Australis cuts a trail through the the thin pack iceAt 11:20pm, just before it became dark, we spotted this lone leopard seal on a ice floe
An hour after spotting the leopard seal the darkness was complete, then we were treated to an amazing light show, that is the aurora australis. As I didn’t have a tripod and because of the ships movement it was difficult to capture this amazing colourful spectacle. However I was mesmerised by the ships spotlights – searching for icebergs in our path.
Spotting for icebergs at 12:40am
For the next three days we made our way directly westward along 59º 30′ S – so as to avoid getting into the thick ice to soon. On day 9 of the voyage a larger iceberg did drift by closer to the ship.
First closer encounter with a larger iceberg – Several seabirds can be seen nearby
The weather later on day 9 turned to heavier snow.
Jock was happy with his effort of moulding the snow into a couple of small snowmen
Early on day 10 of the voyage we passed close by to another low pressure system, so again it was an uncomfortable ride for some of the passengers.
A swell running through the drifting ice fieldDay 10 – swell, ice and snow – well and truly in the Southern Ocean
Every now and then we would practice the muster – Emergency bells would sound and we would muster, wearing our survival gear and life preserver, in our designated muster area. On day 10 it was quite a rough ride so it was unsafe to muster on the helideck so we mustered in the E-deck mess.
Muster in E-deck mess
Later in the afternoon on day 10 (5th November) the conditions significantly eased. Many of the passengers were up in the Bridge as a big tabular iceberg passed close to the port side.
A large tabular iceberg coming into view on the port sideThe amazing colours and patterns in a large tabular iceberg – look carefully and note the many seabirds near the baseAbut half way along this beautiful tabular icebergAmazed to see the many seabirds near the icebergs
Only as I was editing and sorting out photos of this iceberg did I notice the birds resting on the top.
Seabirds resting on the top of this tabular icebergA couple of Cape petrels flying alongside the AAIcebergs come in many shapes and sizes – this one is probably a piece broken off a larger iceberg
One of the lens I purchased is a Micro Nikon 105mm f2.8 – It will be great for close up photos. I decided take some shots with it on Day 10.
Icicle on the Bridge deck – taken with my Micro 105mm lens
Towards evening on day 10 we made our way through some pack ice.
Pack ice on the evening of day 10 of the voyageMore pack ice
At around 9pm on day 10 we had a visit from a giant Southern Petrel This species is one of the largest seabirds – their body measures between 86cm and 99cm (34 -39 inches) and a wingspan of 185cm to 205cm (73 – 81 inches)
A Southern Giant Petrel came along side to see what this big orange thing was
Day 11 (6th of November) was similar to day 10, passing many icebergs and areas of pack ice as well as open water.
In the early afternoon – Jock and I on the port side Bridge deck watching the pack ice drift by
Late in the afternoon of the 6th of November (day 11) we crossed over 60ºS.
Next…. The Screaming Sixties and a visit from the King
After the months of training and preparation the departure of Voyage 1 was suddenly upon us. The time had come to head south.
We all turned up at the cargo facility on Macquarie 2 wharf on a beautiful, late October morning. Each of us was required to bring our red survival bag and 30kg of personal baggage.
Lining up at the Cargo facility for the weigh in of our luggage
The limit of 30kg luggage is strictly monitored – the cabins on the Aurora Australis have limited storage space and 30kg per passenger is considered an amount that can be safely stowed. After the weigh in and a pre-departure briefing we had free time until boarding time of 1pm.
Expeditioners, family and friends waiting for the boarding call
Once we boarded we could not disembark – so we had to say goodbye to family and friends before entering the security are of the wharf.
Two of my children – Jayden and Madeleine at the wharf to say goodbye and bon-voyage
The excitement was palpable as we walked through the security gate towards the Aurora Australis.
Boarding the Aurora AustralisEveryone was quite excited – departure day was finally here
Once everyone was aboard and had found their cabins – we had to attend a briefing by the Captain on the E-deck Mess. He talked about the ship and all the usual safety aspects. We then had to muster on the helideck at 1500. The port-side cabins on the left and the starboard-side cabins on the right. All expeditioners cabins were on D-deck. I was in D17 which was the last cabin towards the bow (front).
Starboard side muster while still in Hobart
After being split into groups, the First and Second mates took us on a tour of the ship. This included trying on an Immersion suit – These are to be put on in case of emergency to abandon ship and enter the water. They will keep you afloat and warm. The time of survival in one of these suits depends on the water temperature.
Inside the Aurora Australis port-side life boatFitzy in a immersion suit – it will keep you afloat and warm?Two brand new Heli Resources helicopters bound for Davis for the summer – stowed away in the hangar at the stern
We were supposed to depart at 1700. This was initially delayed to 1830 then again delayed to 2230. So we had plenty of time to stow all our belongings into the cupboards and allotted drawers in our cabin. Finally the AA left the dock at 2040.
Because of our later departure – Iwas able to capture this image of crepuscular rays of the setting sun behind Kunanyi (Mt Wellington)
It was a quiet and uneventful cruise down the Derwent River, but after the city and suburban lights faded behind us we were treated to a weak Aurora.
The pilot boat (foreground) on a intercept course with the Aurora Australis as we slowly make our way out of the harbour
The Roaring Forties is the name given to the air circulation generally between 40ºS and 50ºS. These latitudes are generally below the sub-tropical High Pressure ridge and the region where the flow is strong out of the westerly direction. This flow is further enhanced with the passage of cold fronts. In the age of sail the Roaring 40’s were used to sail around the southern hemisphere, as they were quite persistent in these latitudes. In particular the Dutch used this wind knowledge to sail Around Cape Town and then across the Indian Ocean to then head north towards India or the East Indies (Indonesia).
As we sailed on a general Southwest course we encountered mostly westerly winds and not much of a swell. This started to change on day 4 of our journey as we closed in on a deepening low. Also the air and water became colder and we encountered sleet as we approached 50ºS.
The two forecasters onboard, Damo and Rachel, monitor a devloping low as we approach 50ºSThe orca wind vane on the bow of the AA
Also in these latitudes we were followed by a number of albatross. Often many on board (that were still upright) were on the decks with their long lens’s trying to capture a image of one of these magnificent sea birds.
Black brow albatross following the Aurora Australis
Bramwell enjoying his bunk by the port hole
Next Post……. The Furious Fifties and the Antarctic Convergence Zone
A consequence of being at a remote Antarctic Base is that one does not have the option of calling 000 for emergency services. The expeditioners wintering at all Australian Antarctic bases become the emergency response. Fire is one of the biggest threats on an Antarctic Base so Fire Prevention is of major concern.
As a result we attended a extensive 5 day training course at the Tasmanian Fire Service training facility at Cambridge (near Hobart Airport).
One of the initial parts of the training was in the use and identification of the different fire extinguishers.
Learning how to fight a fire with the appropriate fire extinguisher
Many house fires start in the kitchen – When a pan or pot of oil catches alight the common reaction is to pour water on the fire.
We were shown a demonstration on why this should not be done!!
The instant that water is poured onto burning oil
A split second later the water and oil vaporise resulting in a fire ball
We also learnt how to safely handle a big fire hose… The nozzle at the end of the hose is called a branch where the water flow rate and spray pattern are controlled.
Kerryn controls the branch while Paul (Sharky) and Christopher assist in holding the heavily primed hose
A very important part of the training included the safe and correct procedures in using Breathing Apparatus (BA) in fire fighting and emergency rescue. Correct fitting of the mask was paramount. Incorrect procedure could result in lethal gases entering the mask.
Expeditioner fire fighters in BA about to enter a burning building
BA1 and BA2 approach a vehicle on fire
On each of Australia’s Antarctic stations there is a roster of the weekly fire team on call. A fire team consists of 6 expeditioners – Fire Chief, BA1, BA2, BA3, BA4 and BA Controller. The BA controller has a clip board and a timer – They check that the BA is fitted coreectly and they write down how much air each of the BA cylinders has and a time when that is expected to run to a safe low level. They also take the alarm key from the alarms on the BA set. The BA controller usually is also the pump operator.
Richard the BA controller and pump operator
We learnt many techniques of hoe to control or extinguish fires. This depends on the type of fire, the material or fuel that is burning. The primary concern is the safety of the Fire fighters and rescuers.
Two teams controlling a LPG gas cylinder fire. The right hose is spray to protect the fire fighters from the intense heat. The left hose aimed at the cylinder to cool them down. The person between the 2 hoses is directing the left hose aim, receiving hand signals from the person on the far left.Observing the difference in temperature and intensity when LPG gas fire changes from vapour to liquid.
It was a intense but very rewarding and informative week of training.
Davis Fire Team
The final part of our training took place a few days before departing for the south. This was basic Search and Rescue (SAR). Again the reality is that we can’t call on anyone but ourselves in the case of an emergency.
In bushland behind the Antarctic Division in Kingston we became familiar with some of the equipment that we will have in our SAR kit. We were also shown how to use this equipment as a precursor to further intensive training when we reach the Antarctic continent.
SAR training – learning about ropes and pulleysAn exercise in weight distribution on anchor points and using ropes and pulleysBecoming familiar with the climbing harness and helmets used in SAR
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The next post will be about the voyage through he Southern Ocean.