North

I have stepped aboard the research vessel Laurence M. Gould for the next two months. Currently I am in Punta Arenas, Chile, having my first draft beer and frolicking in the sun. The Gould doesn't have internet, but I will write and post photos as I am able. We get email every day, but my days of bloghopping and Scrabulous are at a hiatus. I will definitely be posting blogs as I come in and out of port as we will be making frequent stops at Palmer Station and to Punta Arenas.

Leaving Palmer was a sad affair, but thankfully I was armed with the knowledge that I will be back in just a couple of weeks. Crossing the Drake Passage was a bit more rough than it was last December. The seas were over 30ft and our ship was pummeled by bergy bits the most of the way. I would hear them slam into the bow and then drag along the bottom. Such seas are hard to work in, and it requires great concentration to complete simple tasks like walking or sleeping. Now we are docked next to the Nathaniel Palmer (of which I got a tour today), another Antarctic research vessel and my old friend the sun hangs proudly overhead. Last night I was able to paint the town up with some great friends, as we said goodbyes and sipped delicious Pisco Sours. We sail south again in 3 days. For now I am busy learning the tricks and trades of my new job and trying to remember how to use money.

Palmerites waving goodbye to us as we sail away.

The sun as it sat today, high in the sky.

Nathaniel Palmer as seen from the Gould

Goodbyes and Liar's Dice