November 25th, 2008
Location: 64.31.562S, 62.44.049W
Last night was the big camp out a chance to sleep on the Antarctic
Peninsula for the expedition. Almost 50 people, including all of the
students and the kids, slept out on the ice some in tents, and some in
snow holes they dug themselves. Snow holes were made by digging down
between 4 and 6 feet, then stacking the snow around the edge for
protection, finally piling sledges and bags on top for protection and
makeshift roofs. Some innovative snow hole builders even created a cold
air exhaust!
The weather was perfect snowy mountains all around, calm waters, and
very mild. Camp was set up on a gently sloping hill, with small
clusters of penguin colonies scattered about in the soft snow. Spirits
were high and everyone had a great night and a good laugh.
For some it as a warm and cosy experience, and for others, it was a
little bit cold. Then this morning, at 3.30 a.m. the weather turned.
The mild temperatures of 7-8 degrees dropped rapidly to approximately
minus 7 with wind chill. Winds climbed to 30 knots, gusts up to 45
knots (50-60 km per hour).
On board ship, we had to up-anchor and find a more protected harbour.
Engines were left on all night just in case. Campers were awakened at 5
a.m., and conditions continued to worsen while the gear was packed up.
Winds picked up and it started snowing heavily. The change in weather
made it very difficult for the teams to get back to the ship. Its a
lesson; sometimes you need to be careful what you wish for because you
might get it. Those who wanted it got a small example of Antarctic
weather, and now, after returning to ship, they appreciate the warm and
lovely conditions all the more.
Gavin Arneill, one of our students, described the changing conditions:
I heard the wind flapping against the outside of the tent early in the
morning. When we had all our gear packed up thats when the snow
started coming in. We had to shout to hear each other.
Eunan Linders, 8 years old, reported on the penguins sleeping habits:
The penguins never slept. You could hear them yapping away all night.
It was ok though.
Right now were sailing through a protected passage that leads to the
Drake Passage historically some of the most dangerous waters in the
world. Therefore, well anchor and eat lunch before heading into the
unprotected waters of the Drake. We are expecting a rough passage,
heading directly into the wind and swell for most of our journey back to
Argentina.
