Edisto (AGB 2) - Naval Cruise Book

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, if - .. fi , 'I' - Q 5- a, A,,,,,,w.- ' .13 ,W S ALATNA finished refueling and left for New Zealand on 12 january, EDISTO, after having escorted her as far as Cape Bird, re- turned to McMurdo Sound to unload our reefers and deck cargo which had been brought aboard in Lyttleton. Although the wintering over base did not offer many of the attractions desirable in a liberty port, it was now accesible and a mostwelcome change from shipboard routine. Despite fluctuating prices and the familiar Made in Japan markings We fell on the sailor's usualsouvenir resources and brought lighters, ashtrays, mugs, etc. with penguins on them. It did not take us long to become completely at ease, skipping from mud-rutted street to street. Visualizing how small and close this would seem to the hardy Winter- overs after several months in complete darkness made the shipboard life seem a little more attractive to some. During the long winter months the only

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eeiisto and easlwena' baffle the pack . . . ana' are rewarded with a clear channel

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, , , , , . , , ,A.,,, f.,,.. ., .-,,,.-.1-,,. 1-.-1 in-1'-11-'e-f'. .:--1'-'wb-wL:e'f:ag'----We--:fra.rs:xf.'e'1 '.?..'r f:r+2:fW12:H212I1I7fh lY2'fl'2 T 1ri' f u - Q, c gif, -TT-. ., .., .,, .. '. -,,L...' ,. T., . 'g f,L.f i., -..-,, ' .1,. A+1g. ,,..g ,,..f,,... Jr--1 fP4 'f2'i ?'W-'- 'N 4?'1 connection with the outside world for those who would stay was the radio. It was pos- sible to call home from the base, and long lines formedinside the ham shack, especially on days when reception was excellent. Few of us appreciated the exercise afforded by the deceptively long walk back to the ship. Distances are confusing, and as always, the return trip seemed much too far to retain the rosy glow of complete well- being. After struggling for several weary steps it was not unusual for a 'Weasel' to stop, providing lifts at the sign of the con- ventional hooked thumb. We were abandoned in the channel when EASTWIND had a fire in aftersteering, and was forced to leave for Wellington. We left our vigil only once to meet the USNS GREENVILLE VICTORY, and Lt Goforth and Lt Ramsey, wide eyed and somewhat apprehensive, came aboard for their initiation to icebreaker duty.