Thursday, 20th November
All of last night and all of today has been spent sailing toward
Elephant Island. I believe we will arrive there late tomorrow. These
waters are some of the worst in the world, and the seas are certainly
rough today. Many people have disappeared down to their bunks for the
day. It makes of all think with pity of Shackleton and Crean and the
challenges they faced on these same routes. Because the swell and wind
are high, students were let off of scientific duty for the most part,
but the captain found other uses for them today, including cleaning the
engine exhaust in preparation for paint. They actually enjoyed the
work!
In the afternoon, we received a message over the intercom whales,
starboard side! I have never seen a ship come alive as quickly in my
life! Everyone was out on deck within minutes, and we watched fin
whales in the distance. We caught site of a lot of blowing, several
long back shots that allowed us to identify the fin and guess the
length, and even one fluke.
Weve been celebrating the birthday of one of our students, Sinead
Walsh, all day. For now, the new Indiana Jones movie is playing in the
library, and everyone is pretty relaxed.
Pat Falvey,
Expedition Leader
Photo: Birthday girl Sinead Walsh with cake
