Wednesday, 7:30 pm
Location: 54.32.645S, 54.59.781W
Course: 088 degrees
Speed: 13.2 knots
Wind, 13 knots
Swell: 2-3 metres
Outside Temperature: 11 degrees Celcius
General conditions in the morning were somewhat cloudy and overcast, but
with only slight wind and still very comfortable on deck, when wearing a
wind breaker or jacket. Toward the early afternoon the skies cleared
and we have enjoyed sunny weather all day.
There is a distinct feeling today of the calm before the storm, and
along with it the need to prepare for tomorrow (Thursday Nov. 13th) a
day with expected severe weather conditions. We expect to reach South
Georgia tomorrow night, and the traverse team will set off Friday
morning bright and early. As a result of tomorrows weather forecast,
the teams are frantically preparing for the traverse. This is done
below deck, and in a relatively tight space. Theyre sorting gear
stoves, pots, gear, tents, gas and wag bags (for poos on the ice, should
the need arise). There are 6 tents with 3-4 people in each tent. More
tent tests will take place on the upper deck today for the traverse
team.
The infamous Thursday storm is coming from behind us, and will overtake
our ship at approximately 1am (in 5 1/2 hours). The captain says it
will be wild, with rolling up to 40 degrees. However, he knows this
ship, and knows it will handle the storm easily. He is not so sure
about the passengers!
On a different subject, those of us making the traverse will be unable
to communicate via email or to post to our blogs. Instead, we will ring
back once a day to Sidney on the boat with news, and she will post news
here while were on the crossing. So stay tuned!
Today we were treated to a lecture on the history of whaling and sealing
on South Georgia from Fergus and Monika, as well as a lecture on
Pinnipeds from Lucy.
At 15.30 we had a mandatory meeting regarding biosecurity on South
Georgia. They have fashioned their requirements after the extremely
successful Galapagos Island biosecurity, however, the requirements are
even more strict here. It is required that we Hoover (DustBuster) our
shoes and Velcro areas of our jackets, which harbour seeds, as well as
wash our shoes thoroughly before stepping onto shore. This is only the
beginning of the strict guidelines, but they are all reasonable and
necessary to protect this unique area.
Today well continue to make the most of the mild weather and conditions
by having all meetings required for South Georgia out of the way today.
The students are busy with write-ups on their experiments, as well as
cooperative team games and a film discussion in the evening. In the
afternoon, the traverse team will hold one more gear check.
And great news for our expedition: yesterday and today we have had the
honour of many Wandering Albatross and other great birds flying
alongside our boat throughout the day, and todays quote seems perfect:
I now belong to a higher cult of mortals, for I have seen the
albatross.
-Robert Cushman Murphy
Pat Falvey,
Expedition Leader
PHOTO: The master of the sky: The Wandering Albatross
