Last evening near midnight we turned out of the protected
waters of Beagle Channel into the infamous Drake Passage. At that time most of
were sound asleep as our day had started far earlier and for many of us in
cities far away. On awakening we became aware that the FRAM, that our new steel
home, was rolling gently in response to the seas and winds. The sea conditions
approached the ship from behind –the stern - and as a result our first day at
sea was a relatively calm and easy start.
Our first full day at sea was full of briefings and
fittings. We had two briefings one was mandatory if you want to go ashore in
Antarctica. Naturally we all attended and learned the rules and practices that we
need to follow in accordance with the regulations of the Norwegian government
and of Hurtigruten the owner of the FRAM. IAATO is the International
Association of Antarctic Tour Operators and Hurtigruten and the other members
of this organization have set the rules, for example: no more than 100
passengers ashore as a times and when near penguins and their colonies, stay at
least 15 feet or 5 meters distant. The second briefing covered the several extra
activities: for example kayaking and camping, that will be available for small
numbers of people as our trip advances.
There were also 2 fittings: at the first we received our
water-proof and wind-proof Hurtigruten
jackets and at the second we were fitted for the insulated rubber boots
that we will wear on our shore excursions.
By nightfall, a bit after 10pm or 2200 we were close to the
mid-point in our, relatively smooth and easy crossing of Drake Passage.
