Wednesday 15 January 2014

SEA DAY AND READINESS



Today was spent motoring southward and getting ready for our activities in the Antarctic.

Last night we exited Beagle Channel and turned south crossing the South American continental shelf and heading for our deep water transit in the Drake Passage bound for the South Shetland Islands.


The winds and swell were bit larger when we began our transit but by breakfast time the wind was down to breeze level. The ocean swells coming from the northwest were only 1 or 2 meters or 3 to 6 feet in height. This could be characterized as a gently rolling passage with quite moderate wind and sea conditions.

Lectures today covered the geology and geography and glaciology of Antarctica and introduced us to the sea birds, penguins and seals that we will see once we reach our destinations.


Our staff photographer spent a good portion of the day helping people learn the operational features of their newly purchased cameras. The on-deck photo session focused on capturing birds in flight. Alongside the FRAM today Giant Peterels plus Wandering, Black Browed and Grey-headed Albatrosses were photographed.

While inside the FRAM we all were fitted for the insulated rubber boots we will wear in the Polarcirkle boats when headed to the shoreline and walking on the rocks and snow of the islands and the continent.



Tomorrow we plan our first landing on the South Shetland Islands.