Dec 22, 2009 17:14
A Heroes Welcome
We had a lovely day of not much, so the staff decided we should do afternoon tea out on the bow of the ship. They served a delicious Bayrische Weisswurst mit sussem senf with free beer (or soda) [all beverages besides water, tea and coffee are normally extra]
I went to bed at ~4:00 am on the 20th and woke up at 7:00 am on the 21th, somehow still exhausted. The daft among you have quickly determined that we've now crossed the international date line. So why only 3 hours of sleep you ask?
Earlier the previous day, I received a desperate plea from the assistant manager to help recover lost data. The external hard drive, not wanting to be left out of the festivities, decided to participate with some bit angels. I stayed up working on recovery with the limited tools I had on hand. Upon arriving a breakfast I found two frantic staff members inquiring of the success of my efforts. Apparently, the assistant manager had told them that they were tasked with redoing the work if my efforts failed. Fortunately for all involved, all data was recovered. I was the man of the hour (or quarter hour as it were ;-)
With a bit of good weather we were able to all land upon the Ross Ice Shelf. The helicopter flight was short though spectacular with great views of the shelf itself. A snow/ice bar served champagne as our historian talked about the solstice.
Later, we relaxed after a few bottles of wine (for the table - though it was oddly reminiscent of the final dinner) with friends in their cabin watching a humorous British tv show called "Peep show". Suddenly there was a loud knocking at the door, and upon answering we learned of several pods of Orca swimming just off the bow. Haste was made as we all went dashing out to grab cameras and jackets. I'd like to take a moment to mention the lens envy I have with the multitude of Canon 600mm f4.0 IS lenses out there. Can two be a multitude? I claim artist licenses. It was incredible. I hope to have the opportunity to see something that close while in a zodiac.
Today we went to Cape Evans (Scott's Hut) and Cape Royds (Shakleton's Hut). They are both amazingly well preserved and we had to go through serious protocols from ASPA (Antarctic Specially Protected Areas). ASPA limits both the number of people that can be in the general area (usually 40 or 60) and also limited the number of people inside the hut at a given time (usually 8). Once again, the Nikon G 14-24/2.8 with the 580 EX II managed to take the most incredible shots inside the huts.
Until later,
-C
Ps. For F's sake. Can someone please google "Thinkpad X200s Win 7 x64 Pro Wireless Radio Fing shutting itself off" I've disabled the "Allow the computer to disable this device to save power" but it's STILL shutting itself off all the time.
epic antarctica