29 Dec 2012

Macquarie Changeover

We arrived at Macquarie Island on the evening of the 27th and proceeded directly to Lusitania Bay where there is a massive King Penguin colony. Landings are not permitted there but you actually get a better perspective from the sea as the colony is so huge.

On the morning of the 28th we anchored off the Australian Antarctic Division Base at Buckles Bay. We had brought 8 new staff for the base and were taking 3 home. We did this changeover at first light in case the weather deteriorated. We also picked up Rangers from the Tasmanian National Parks and Wildlife Service who are stationed on the island and they accompanied us on our landings at Sandy Bay and at Buckles Bay. The weather wasn’t great and it rained most of the day, but that didn’t stop people enjoying themselves. The highlight for most was seeing the four penguin species - King’s, Royals, Gentoo and Rockhopper.

We departed Macquarie Island at 2100 hours bound for Campbell Island.