12 Jan 2013

Enderby Island Resupply

We headed south from the Snares to the Auckland Islands. Conditions deteriorated in the late afternoon when the wind swung to the west and blew 40+ knots. The accompanying rough seas and swells made it pretty uncomfortable.

We arrived at Enderby Island at 0630. The most comfortable (and prudent) course last night had taken us some 30 miles east of the islands, so we were a little later than scheduled, with everybody ashore by 0930. This island never loses its appeal. It is hard to describe, but there is so much to see. Yellow-eyed Penguins, Southern Royal Albatross, Auckland Island Dotterel, Subantarctic Snipe, Auckland Island Shag, Pipits, Bellbirds, Tuis, Falcon - the list goes on and on. Then there are the ever present New Zealand Sealions, Fur Seals and at this time of the year some incredible wildflowers.

The last thing before calling it a day was to unload some drums of aviation fuel that we had brought south. The supply of fuel kept here for search and rescue purposes needed replenishing and a helicopter had come from Invercargill today to lift it off the ship. We are at anchor tonight heading south to Carnley Harbour in the morning. As I write this the wind is easing and it is a beautiful evening.