April 3, 2005

Funded by the National Science Foundation Office of Polar Programs

Location: 62 08 872 W, 58 48 737 S

Temperature:1C

Sunday Morning on Palmer

We woke up this morning in calm waters under blue sky. Finally, a reprieve for us plagued with seasickness. Palmer got a break too and we are now running on two rather than four engines. The computer system on the ship was down as well, to the frustration of many whose work depends on it. Some of us found a welcome short respite from the e-mails that tie us to our busy lives back at home.

The announcement board warned: "Caution! Ice on the decks!" Reading the sign I felt a surge of excitement more befitting a child. We are almost there! More excitement was waiting outside. Three humpbacks were on their Sunday morning leisurely swim. They were followed by a procession of Adelie penguins and seals barely showing an effort to get out of the ship's way. Cape and Antarctic petrels and albatross were circling to the joy of those who are ornithology enthusiasts.

Energized by this marine life sighting of this morning, some of us completed Marine Mammal Watch Training. We will stand watch before and during seismic data collection, out of consideration for the potential, but unlikely, impact the air guns could have on the marine life.

Others in the science party went through a course in core handling in preparation for the first coring of the cruise, which will be in Maxwell Bay. Andy Frazer from Seacore has given us a great presentation of the drilling process and the equipment that will be used.

The afternoon brought the first citing of an iceberg.

Finally, through the fog appeared, the lights of the eight polar stations situated on King George Island. Slowly we entered Maxwell Bay where a multibeam survey of the sea floor will be done through the night. At daybreak tomorrow, drilling will begin! Alex Injac

Seacore's Andy Frazer explains the drilling system. Tyler, TJ, Matt, and John watch.

Do you have questions? Comments? Email the Ship!