Tuesday morning after I dropped off my bags for weighing I
listened to the Radio in the car, running a few last errands. The Radio
broadcasted was along the lines “Today the Aurora Australis is preparing for
her voyage South. Rough weather is forecasted and together with a maximum sea
ice extend on record are expected to provide the setting for the real Antarctic
experience.”
This in mind 90 expeditioners and 24 crew set foot sail in
the early evening of October 15, 2013. Before setting sail I spent a relaxing
morning, dealing with a few last minute items, cake in the office and a nice
lunch. Shortly after lunch we boarded the ship, saying farewell to our loved
ones which some of us will not see for the next 12 to 15 months. Good Bye
Hobart. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year the words I said a few times over
the past week. I am off only for the summer spending 3 and a half month down
South.
The afternoon we spent with getting acquainted with the ship
settling into our cabin, moving our cabin luggage, getting safety briefings,
trying on the cold water immersion suit. A few more briefings, signing off on
our induction sheet that we got all of these inductions, briefings, that we
know where the Survival at Sea Handbook is located (behind the cabin door).
Then it was time for dinner and ropes off, setting sail or cruising down the
River.
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| Sailing the Dervent River |
A few last cell phone calls before getting out of reach. A few pictures of the raising night sky and off we are - out onto the Southern Ocean.
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| Night Fall and last view back |
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