Polar Radar for Ice Sheet Measurements

Data Page from Nov. 11-17, 2000 All information is from the Australian National Antarctic Research Expeditions Voyage 1, 2000/2001 Davis-Mawson-Heard Island taken by Aurora Australis. All observations taken at 0500 Universal Time. All temperatures are in degrees Celsius.

Remarks by Suzanne and Gordon:

Nov. 11: Helicopter operations continued Friday with several breaks due to snow showers and squalls. Vessel remained in Corinthian Bay to avoid wind gusts. Operations were completed including all pax onboard, personal effects, scientific samples, field huts, rubbish and helicopters at 1724. This was completed in 23 flights (since yesterdays report), a total of about 75 flights for the Heard Island Operation. We were able to remove more rubbish than planned thanks to the help of everyone. Thanks to the Heard Island team for their hard work and flexibility, to the ship's crew for their hard work and imagination in stowing all the extra gear, to the band of Round Trippers who worked on the ship to help with operations, and a BIG thank you to the heli crew for a huge flying program in difficult weather conditions with difficult cargo.

Nov. 12: Voyage Leader and Deputy Leader participated in Safety and Hazard rounds with Ship's Crew this morning. The Heard Island Unwashed slowly emerging squeaky clean - showers and washing machines are in overdrive!!

Clocks to be advanced one hour tonight (will then be on Western Australian time).� Expect to arrive at the Pilot, Freemantle at 0700 on Saturday 18 November given continued good weather and sea conditions. Very pleasant cruising at present!

Nov 13: Very pleasant cruising. Heard Islanders are gradually recovering. Onboard programs continue and are extended with kelp observations being made.

Arrival in Freo continues to be Saturday 18 November at the pilot at 0700.

Australian National Antarctic Research Expeditions Voyage 1, 2000/2001 Davis-Mawson-Heard Island. Website:http:// www.aad.gov.au

It's a bit like a millpond outside. Definitely not typical Southern Indian Ocean cruising!!!!

Nov. 14: Quiet ship. Intense Crib and Darts Competitions underway!! Superb cruising weather!! Arrival in Freo -Saturday 18 November at the pilot at 0700, alongside at about 0800.

Monday Noon Fuel Figures:

MGO 306,877

Heli 71,471 (i.e., none used at Heard Island)

Nov. 15: Still enjoying delightful cruising weather - makes up for the rough start to the voyage!! Preparations well underway for arrival in Freo -Saturday 700 at the pilot.

Nov. 16: Voyage Management attended a cargo planning meeting to prepare for Fremantle operations. Calm seas continue to be enjoyed!! Currently stopped to effect engine room repairs. Arrival in Freo - Saturday 0700 at the pilot, approx. 0800 alongside at North Quay no 12. Cargo operations to commence following Quarantine clearance.

Getting close now. Two more sleeps (or four for those who find time for an afternoon nap, or 6 for those who find time for a morning nap as well)

Nov. 17: Vessel stopped from 1148 until 1406 yesterday for engine room repairs. Antarctic Clothing returns completed Thursday afternoon and items packed away. Camp Quality donations for Voyage 1 total OVER 45,000!! A big thank you to everyone - Expeditioners and Crew for your fantastic generosity!! Continuing preparations for arrival Freo - at the pilot at 0700.

This is the last Sitrep for the First Voyage of Aurora for 2000-2001. We've had a great voyage - been everywhere, done everything, worked and played hard - so thanks to the Captain and Ship's Crew and to the Expos - Round Trip, Davis, Mawson and Heard Island for your assistance and good company. A special Thank You to Gordon for his support as Deputy during the Voyage.

Regards

Suzanne and Gordon