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.
