Friday, 21st November, 2008
6:30pm
Weather: high cloud, somewhat overcast, low winds.
Wind – 2-3 knots WNW
Temp 5 degrees C
Location: 60.02.960S, 51.22.923W
About an hour ago whale sightings were announced from the bridge. It
turned out they were all around us. There were in excess of 20, often
within ten metres and several even closer. They stayed with the boat
for over 30 minutes, and we were able to confirm them as Sei Whales.
There were at least two calves, and several very large adults.
Today we continue our sail to South Georgia. We won’t actually be
arriving there until around 5am tomorrow – Saturday. The temperature
has dropped considerably here in the open ocean, as we head southwest to
Elephant Island. Gone are the days of not needing to bundle up on deck!
Today so far we’ve had a climate change lecture from Liam McLaughlin,
and a viewing of a Shackleton documentary downstairs. The traverse team
is currently gathering for a debriefing downstairs, and later in the
afternoon Lucy will present a lecture on Cetaceans. The swell and
weather have settled since last night, and are currently very good.
According to the Captain, as good as you could reasonably hope for in
these seas.
P.S. the Sei Whales are back again – we can see them up close and into
the distance all around our ship.
Pat Falvey
Expedition Leader
PHOTO: Sei Whales
