Today may be a day at sea, but it is a full day for everyone on board! There is so much to go over in preparation for our arrival in Antarctica. First, there are the introductions to the natural history staff - each staff member is quick (times a’wastin’) and no one will remember everyone (that comes later). The natural history staff is diverse, and we all have more than one specialty: photography, marine mammals, botany, undersea, birds, geology, etc. The excitement continues to build this morning as Shelli, Assistant Expedition Leader, gives a briefing on our landing and Zodiac operations.
The rest of the day brings scheduled talks on photography and sea birds. There is also plenty of great food. I see people wandering about the ship, getting use to their new home, and folks out on the decks.
Late in the afternoon, we cross 60 degrees south latitude and enter what is the legal definition of Antarctica. Tomorrow we will see land. Just before dinner Captain Martin Graser welcomes us and introduces many of his officers. We are almost there, and we are ready!
