Drake Passage, Day 2

We attended a lecture in the morning about different types of seals, particularly those we might see in Antarctica. We learned about their survival skills, diving skills and more. It was interesting.

In the afternoon we listened to a talk "Fifty Shades of Blue Ice". It was interesting enough but it was a bit 'all over the show' and not put together particularly well. It happens sometimes, depending on the speaker.

At some stage we took our outdoor clothes for inspection by the Expedition team. Hats, gloves, anything with velcro on it, outer coats and outer trousers were inspected for mud and particles that might contaminate Antarctica. They used tweezers if necessary to remove particles from velcro, vacuumed and brushed/cleaned items. Everyone had to go through the process.

In the early evening I attended a recap and briefing for tomorrow. We are arriving in the Southern Shetland Islands tomorrow (not to be confused with Scotland's Shetland Islands), and hope to do a landing at Yankee Harbour and then do a cruise near Edinburgh Hill.

Paul had a bit of a nap after the lectures. He's starting his ice shift at 9pm tonight.Read more