After our Macquarie Island Zodiac cruise and landing we did a ship tour northwards towards the Australian base.

It soon became apparent that the wind was picking up, we still got a view of the base, but with the wild weather no personal were seen. Out Tassie guide, Penny, who has worked there described the huts and their various functions. Only 14 ships a year are allowed to land, and this can be reduced depending upon passenger numbers. We were ship 13, certainly not unlucky, with her repeat visit being the final one of the year.

A giant Petral escorted us out as we headed into a big swell.

That evening the swells increased to 5.5 metres, with 65 knots of wind. It was a wild ride and not many people got much sleep. Things gradually eased off during the next sea day, but there were a few running repairs going on around the ship.

This morning we positioned ourselves off the Snares, and were able to take a Zodiac cruise around them. The abundant bird life and green vegetation is a dramatic contrast to life on the ice shelf.

It was also our last Zodiac ride for the cruise, as we are now heading back to Dunedin. I managed to take 400 plus pictures, so will sort thru them tomorrow, as it’s a sea day, and do a final post. In the meantime we have a number of events to attend, mainly to say thanks to all the crew and staff who have done such a great job. The expedition guides have really made this trip special.