Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Southward ho!



     The Laurence M. Gould shoved off into a bright Chilean afternoon, carrying a crew of 17 and a few dozen geologists, paleontologists and biologists bound for the Southern Ocean.
     We'll spend about a day navigating the fjordish (sorry, the word works for me) straits that will wind us calmly by Argentina and then out through the much more rollicking Drake Passage.
     We compared notes on seasickness medicine, some folks already drowsy and dry-mouthed from the drug patches they'd pasted behind the ears the day before. 

     Got about an hour's lecture on safety. Short version: Try not to bang your noodle in a doorway or fall off the side. 
    Quickly saw dolphins and penguins swimming by the bow.
    Sharing sleeping quarters with three others in what basically amounts to a shipping container below the water line. Shower, I'm told, is too flights up. But I'm in no hurry.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Scott, the southern passage looks wonderful. I wish I could see the beauty firsthand...That is such a great adventure you are on...Keep the dialogue coming...and the pics...How is the Penguin flavored beer tasting...

Mike Woollen...KC connection #1

zoot said...

That's an awesome picture you took of a dolphin? Your ship/boat is not made of iron. The front/aft is reinforced steel. Apparently the vehicle you are on can cut thru one foot of ice going at maximum speed. You might ask your roommates when you shouldscachls go upstairs to shower.

zoot said...

the word verification scachls ended up in my message and i don't know how to delete it.

woozieman said...

Good luck in the Drake Passage. Sounds like it could be a hell of a ride. Keep up the posts and the photos.

Kentucky Bob said...

Headline: Amatuer photographer falls over rail snapping shot of dolphin.

Beaz said...

Looks like a Porpoise with a purpose.
"Scott of the Sahara", watch out for the giant Penguin with tentacles.

zoot said...

You are really out at sea. If the Drake Passage gets a bit rough drink half-strength Gatorade.