Drake Passage II

This crossing hasn’t been very eventful.  I tried to spend time over the past two days working in the lab and organizing all my supplies again so I can find them more easily when I pack.  I did spend a bit of yesterday breaking down experiments that had to run for 96 hours.  Luckily the ship wasn’t rolling too much, so I didn’t feel terrible.

Tonight, however, it’s rough.  I tried to watch a movie with all the other people, but got so dizzy I had to go lay down.  I think I spent most of the day in bed.  Somehow or another I never got sick…and I hope it stays that way.  The crossing has been much less rough than I imagined (knock on wood), which is definitely a good thing after some of the horror stories I’ve heard.

Since there’s not much to talk about when you’re on a boat in the middle of the Southern Ocean, I’ll give you guys a little tour of where I’ve been in the ship.  Since I’m one of two scientists on the cruise, I get the title of “Chief Scientist” and get the chance to stay in the cabin for that position.  It’s pretty nice.  From what I can tell all the cabins on the ship have their own bathroom, but this one also has a “dayroom”, which comes with a computer, desk, table, and a loveseat.   Definitely spoiled on this one.  But hey – I worked my butt off, so I think I deserve it.

Oh, and here are some more pictures of the ship.  This is the "lounge area", where we watch movies, play cards, check email, etc.

And this is the staircase I used to head down to breakfast every day, and also to the lab.