Monday, January 20, 2014

Monday, 21 January, 2014

After departing Couverville Island last night we awoke this morning and found ourselves in the vicinity ofAnvers Island which is the location of the United States Antarctic Research Station known as Palmer Station Two Zodiaks were deployed from the station, each carrying 10 research scientists.  They boarded our ship by climbing rope ladders up the side of the ship.  They held some educational lectures and Q&A sessions forthose interested cruise passengers. We attended the early session which lasted a bit over an hour and found we especially enjoyed the Q&A interactions between the scientists and the passengers.  One of the research scientists has spent nearly the past 40 years here in Antarctica.  It was quite interesting to learn what so manyof our tax dollars are being used for down here, and it all seems on target to benefit mankind. 

Most of the day was spent cruising the Le Maire Channel, then we returned to the Palmer Station area to see the Zodiaks return and take the 20 scientists back to base.  The weather today was very Antarctic in nature, with strong gusty winds up to 65 miles per hour with rain and snow showers.  The captain eventually closed access to all of the outside decks because of the icy conditions and high winds.  It’s about 8:30PM right now, with full daylight for 4 more hours, and its snowing. The sun sets tonight about 1145PM and then rises again about 3AM. Nights are very short here this time of year and by early March, the sun is gone completely 24 hours a day and doesn’t return until the Fall. 

During the quiet times of the day we have the opportunity to view some films that show the early history of Antarctic exploration and some of the disastrous results of many of those expeditions.  I’ve been reading once again the amazing account of Ernest Shackleton and the ship Endurance, the ill fated but miraculous story of 28 men who defied all odds of survival by struggling for nearly two years through unspeakable hardships and deprivation when their ship was crushed and sunk by sea pack ice.  Tomorrow we should be at Elephant Island where much of this incredible story unfolds. Hopefully weather conditions will allow us to approach the Island for some historical viewing.   

So dinner tonight began with fresh fruit and Greek lamb kebabs for appetizers.  This was followed with chilled melon soup and hot acorn squash soup.  Marla’s entree was a bar-b-qued chicken salad and I had a Parmesan  encrusted chicken breast with roasted potatoes and grilled mixed vegetables. I gave in tonight and joined Marla with a hot fudge sundae for dessert.
       So, we're doing quite well and having a great experience. We pray that all is well with everyone at home.  Love you all.  Tom & Marla 

P.S.  The ship is taking a beating in this storm and has lost its connection to the satellite Internet system so
 this likely won’t be posted on the blog until tomorrow night...we hope!