17 Dec 2014

Action Packed Macquarie Day

As always, we have been keeping a close eye on the weather maps and could see an agressive weather system approaching Macquarie Island, so put in an extra long day yesterday and achieved a couple great landings. In the morning after picking up rangers from the Research Station we landed at Sandy Bay amongst the King and Royal Penguins which never disappoint. The Royal chicks are just beginning to hatch, so there was lots of action in their colony. In the afternoon we made a landing at Buckles Bay, where we spent time with Gentoo and Rockhopper Penguins as well as Elephant Seals. We also enjoyed a guided tour of the research station and met some of the lucky people who live and work on this fascinating island. Our last task of the day was to embark a number of scientists who are returning to New Zealand with us. They came aboard at the right time, just as the weather deteriorated. This morning we abandoned the plan for another landing due to the weather and sea conditions and have now set a course for Campbell Island. Like all weather systems here in the southern ocean, this one will blow through quickly and we are expecting it to improve later this afternoon as we make the run to Campbell.