March 2, 2006

Funded by the National Science Foundation Office of Polar Programs

Location: Latitude 55° S, Longitude 64° W

Air Temperature: 12°C

A wish come true?

The warm temperatures we are experiencing belie the fact that we are about to cross the Drake Passage in bad weather. We have just left the Estrecho de le Maire, leaving behind Tierra del Fuego and the rest of South America, to enter the Southern Ocean and move one step closer to Antarctica. It was a beautiful day and we all enjoyed the sun on our faces. However, a low-pressure system is also crossing the Drake and we have been told to prepare for 45 knot winds and to tie things down. Since this note is being read by those off the boat and not those on, I will admit that there is a part of me that is attracted to the idea that we will cross in bad weather. I don't want to say this out loud, at least until it is over, but this is my sixth time across and at least once I would like to see what this infamous water can do. I won't name names, but I know of at least two other people who feel the same way. Another way to look at it is that maybe we will get all of our bad luck out of the way before we get to the drill sites.

The day passed quickly filled with the weather preparations along with studying the weather reports and ice imagery. John Anderson had a captive audience when he gave an overview of the science goals of SHALDRIL along with how we have come to this point and what we plan to do next. Now all aboard have an idea of what to expect in the coming days-besides just the weather.
Best Wishes, Julia Smith Wellner