Polar Bird 14th November 2001

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Another seemingly calm day beckoned, a contrast to the wave of Northern Alliance advances into Kabul in Afghanistan as was broadcast to us by the rumour brigade. The sun was shining warmly on the aft poop deck out of the oncoming breeze. It didn't seem as though we were parallel to Stewart Island in NZ at 46 south. Scores of albatross, muttonbirds and petrels were swooping around for any opportunistic fish catch in the ship's wake. Chunky (Andy) and I spent a while trying out different digital camera downloads and GPS Rinexing with the "Gringo" software, with mixed success. Lunch was typically delicious, a cheese plate and salad. The Beaver lake group had a co-ordination meeting in the afternoon, with our supporting pilots finally getting a chance to see the enormity of our logistic requirements. I felt very relaxed and "switched off" not contributing much to the discussion. The long voyage languor was really setting in. Well, enough preparation and communication had already occurred over the last few months! Read in the afternoon, cracking a crispy Ninth Island Tassie 2000 Pinot Noir to accompany the roast beef dinner. The bar was a bit more cordial tonight, chatting with Rob, a veteran engineer of the AAD over a few Cascades. The swell was OK all day and into the evening, a bit disappointing really as the voyage hasn't been a challenge so far ! Maybe a change is on its way ?! Ship's clock turns back one hour tonight to Australian Summer "Bight" time (UT +10 hrs) Cruising speed 20 km/hr SW.

Position at 22:32 local time (UT +10hr) S 48°13'05" E 140°01'12"
820km SW of Hobart

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