We take two excursions per day, each at different locations, but have been warned that with the constant fluctuations in wind and weather, plans may change.
Once a day, often in the evening, sometimes in the early afternoon, we have a
"recap and briefing" in the Explorer Lounge, a large theater, where Peter and other scientist crew answer questions for the group that they've received throughout the day about what we've seen and where we've been. (One day one member of the team gave a very detailed and humorous Powerpoint presentation on Penguin Guano (poop) which included mathematical calculations on trajectory and angle)
Then they update us on the two stops we're making the next day,
what we can expect to see, show us maps of our location, and maps showing all things weather--wind, waves and temperature. (Blue is good, Pink is bad. Red is really bad.)
So far, besides in the Drake, we've had blue.
This morning, at 6:30 a.m. when they announced we'd arrived at our destination, we peeked out the window. The seas were gray, the wind was kicking up whitecaps, and even so, the zodiacs were being lowered (by crane) from the top of the ship to the water but they were bouncing all around.
Thirty minutes later we received the announcement that due to rough seas and 40 mph wind gusts,
today's morning excursion was cancelled.
We were supposed to take a walk in what seemed to be a flat loop and promised the opportunity to round the track two or three times if we desired.
(most of Antarctica is mountainous--soo different than what I'd ever imagined!)
The upside to a cancellation was we could go back to sleep for a bit longer and have a more relaxing morning than we've otherwise had on the trip.
Hence, time to catch up on blogposts!
Before the pandemic and the avian bird flu epidemic,
ships stopped at Port Lockroy, a cluster of three small buildings on a tiny island,
that include a mailbox and gift shop. And presumably bunkbeds for the five young adults who live here for four "summer" months to man the shop with no running water, no boat to leave, and walking access to only half the (did I mention its TINY) island.
This year over 900 people applied for the job.
Now, instead of allowing guests to come onto Port Lockeroy
(two ships a day at 200 guest or more per ship is a lot for this little space),
Port Lockeroy is brought to the ship. That is, the gift shop and mailbox.
And in spite of today's rough seas, they still came over.
(Were brought over, since they don't have a boat.
Another fun fact, the only showers and probably hot meals they get are on board cruise ships.
So my guess is they're very motivated to brave any treacherous conditions.)
We purchased a puzzle and Port Lockeroy beanie, mailed postcards and had our passports stamped with an Antarctica stamp.
By lunchtime the winds had died down and blue sky was even peeking out at us
while we ate our lunch outside!
(The Grill has the best food on the ship. It's also outdoors so you eat in a coat and hat!
Even gloves!)
We can't get enough of these mountains,
which are unusual because of even the ice between peaks is glacieated.
The bluest skies we've seen!
At today's recap and briefing, we sang
"The 12 Days of Antarctica," and everyone was good sports and participated.
Our afternoon excursion was zodiac-ing around the Port Lockroy harbor.
We've decided Antarctica looks a lot like Lake Powell,
except instead of made from sandstone, it's made from snow.
Our guide, Matt, making some mathematical calculations and determined the height of the glaciers
from the ocean are approximately 100 feet tall!
Today we made it back from our excursion in time for Christmas Songs Bingo.
Chris won 3rd place. Stay tuned for what he can buy on the last day for 3 points. 😂
Christmas Eve Dinner
We tried the goose, just because, you know,
Tiny Tim.
After dinner Chris convinced us to try Catholic Midnight Mass.
First we read about what to expect and how long it would last.
It was basically just like conference. The Pope talked about esperanza--hope--
which was lovely. My favorite part was when seven different people, including a young girl,
representing various nations. I was really moved.
After forty-five minutes we ducked out to attend the ship's christmas party
in the Panorama Lounge where whales were spotted all around.
We didn't stay long, enticed by going back to our rooms, getting in our Christmas pajamas and watching Muppets Christmas Carol and the rest of It's a Wonderful Life.
One thing I've realized, is for as many times I've seen these movies,
they seem all new to me. I figured out why...
I never watch, only listen, because I'm always working on a puzzle!
Our movies finished after midnight, and the sun was still up.
We threw on our coats and wandered the top deck, still in awe of Midnight Sunshine.
I brought these magnet Christmas decorations for our rooms,
but the only thing magnetic are the ceilings!
Merry Christmas
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