We are sailing, we are sailing..

               

…stormy waters, passing high clouds… I can guarantee Rod Stewart has probably never, ever experienced the kinds of seas we have been as we continue our travels north through the Southern Ocean towards our final landing stop, Campbell Island.

Most people have had their sea legs for a while – there are still a few who haven’t.  There have been numerous discussions on the merits of everyone’s particular choice of anti-seasickness medication.  It appears the majority on this ship have opted for the Scopolamine patches, with varying degrees of success.  My choice of Stugeron tablets has worked brilliantly for me on my past two trips to Antarctica, and has continued to do so on this trip.  The exception of course is the first night’s diabolical sail where the ship rattled and rolled everyone out of their bunks and into the toilets!

We are a couple of days away from Campbell Island, so everyone is busily going through their photos in preparation of the wonderful audiovisual presentation which Scott D will be putting together.  He blew us all away with his hastily put together presentation of some of his work – it is rare to find a photographer equally at home with wildlife, landscapes and portraits – every one of his photos tells a story - a true photojournalist!

Just to give some perspective on the very changeable weather down here – apparently in August, the annual pack ice which abounds at the top of the Ross Sea, usually making life difficult for any ships trying to break through to get down to McMurdo Station, was at its greatest extent in living memory.  A few months later, in January, the Akademik Shokalskiy was able to sail straight down into the Ross Sea with no problems (there was pack ice but very minimal) and even go further than any other ship by sailing right around to Scott Base. 

We have seen the weather change dramatically in a matter of a few minutes.  Life is never boring if you are a weather nerd in Antarctica!