And then there were 18...

We are alone now. The Aurora Australis set sail yesterday at 2000 after a very few days of resupply. I can't even remember when it arrived here, as all the days seemed such a blur. Everyone did a fantastic job during resupply, all working long hours to get the job done.We are pretty happy as today was declared a public holiday, allowing us to have a rest.

The Aurora Australis, with the AA2 and the jet barge alongside

It was a fantastic day out on the water

I had a variety of jobs over the past few days. My main job was to clean down any of the containers we were sending back to satisfy quarantine regulations. I also had the chance to get out in the boats transferring people from ship to shore (and back), and also got out on the AA2 to help with the unloading of containers. But my most important job was to help with the mail delivery. It was so exciting getting mail, it was just like Christmas! But the following photo is proof that not all the mail gets here in one piece (in fact some of mine that I had ordered didn't get here at all - not very happy).

Sorry mum, but because he turned up looking like this, he is now in a happier place.

All the passengers were sent out to the ship over two days. Those not directly involved in cargo operations left us on Sunday night, with the remainder of the crew boarding yesterday at various times of the day. So there was no big group send off, but I'm pretty sure I managed to give everyone a hug as they left (whether they wanted it or not!) . It has been a fantastic summer, and it was sad to see so many new friends leave. Thanks guys for the laughs (and for all the darts, no matter how crap they were!), I hope I will catch up with some of you in the future.

Rick, Stewie, Dick and Steve (standing) on the way out to the boat

The final four to leave - Trev, Jibba, Richard and Steve

The AA disappearing from view