....After missing a few days due to weather, the re-supply continued, and the time-line to complete round trip programs was coming to an end. The weather delayed the helicopters going down island to pick up all the persons out in the field.
Meanwhile back at station helicopter flying was done at opportunistic times.
 |
| Ship to shore cargo sling loads continued when the weather was right |
 |
| The local wildlife seemed almost oblivious to the commotion - Gentoo penguins not far from station |
 |
| Two big elephant seals jousting near the helipad |
On station all personnel pitched in to give a hand unloading cage pallets and boxes. All four vehicles (two tractors, a heavy loader (JCB) and a 4WD Honda buggy) were always on the move shifting cargo to and from the helipad and the Green Store and other buildings around the station complex.
 |
| Many helping hands to load the freezer |
When the weather turned, everyone went into 'Hurry up and Wait' mode. This gave me an opportunity to explore some of my new surroundings.
 |
| Looking Southwest - Magnetic Absolute Hut, Magnetic Variometer Building and the Clean Air Laboratory |
On March 10th the winds subsided enough to start the re-fueling of the station. The aim was to pump 250,000 of SAB (Special Antarctic Blend) diesel from the AA to the Macca fuel tanks.
 |
| The AA offshore in the early morning awaiting the star of the re-fuel |
 |
| Young elephant seal looking on near the shore point of the fuel line |
 |
| Shore Point for the 1.5km fuel line |
Three IRB's were in the water throughout the refuelling - monitoring the line for twists and animals and obstacles that may affect the line. They also kept the fuel line as straight as possible using anchor points at regular intervals along the line.
 |
| Fog rolled in during the refuelling - You can just make out a 'fog bow' |
 |
| Re-packing the fuel line after successfully re-fuelling of the station |
Fog was a restriction for flying. All cargo had been transported from ship to shore and all RTA (Return to Australia) cargo was on board the AA. The only job left for the helicopters was to re-supply the down island huts (critical for field operations and the MIPEP). Time was running out...
 |
| The helicopters and the LARC waiting for the fog to clear |
 |
| The elephant seals seemed oblivious to all the action going on around them |
 |
| Aren't they just gorgeous |
 |
| Securing the blades of the helicopters before the forecast increasing wind |
 |
| The last of the 65th ANARE wintering expeditioners heading to landing beach for transfer to the AA |
The following day (11th) the AA with two helicopters on board, travelled down island to carry out the final plan of re-supplying the field huts. The station population had diminished to around 28, made up of 24 2013/14 wintering team and 4 helicopter crew and support.
 |
| Satellite picture showing 'Mountain Wave' cloud streaming eastward from Macquarie Island - formed by the moist winds aloft being affected by the topography of the island |
 |
| A group of King penguins came wandering past the Mechanics workshop |
 |
| The King penguins have such beautiful markings |
 |
| Jason landing the helicopter in market square in anticipation of the wind increasing overnight |
 |
| This helicopter remained on station while the other 2 went with the AA down island for the hut re-supply |
While down at the southern end of the island the AA and 2 helicopters successfully carried out the re-supply of all the islands huts and caches.
On the morning of the 12th the Aurora was at anchor off Buckles Bay. The last remaining helicopter flew a couple of sling loads back to the ship, then on its last flight, ferried the last of the 'round trippers' back.
Just before 10am the Aurora Australis weighed anchor and started its voyage back to Hobart.
Most of the expeditioners of the 66th ANARE winter crew were up at the Ham Shack to traditionally farewell the AA, by firing a few flares and waving as the ship disappeared from view around North Head. It was an emotional moment.
Aaron and I were working at the time and viewed the departure from the shore in front of the Met office.
 |
| Letting off a flare at the Ham Hut to farewell the AA |
 |
| BOB heading north while the while the 2013 winter crew look on from the Ham Hut |
 |
| The crew at the Ham Hut giving us a wave |
 |
| The AA disappearing from view, while an elephant seal on the beach displays its lack of interest |
We were now on our own, looking forward to the next 12 months on this amazing island.
 |
| On the way back to the Mess - this young fur seal was crossing the Isthmus |
 |
| The fur seal was intent on taking on its much bigger cousin!! |
Next - Settling in to Life on Macca.....
No comments:
Post a Comment