Drake Passage (56°S heading north) – There and back again
We had a pretty big proper storm last night, complete with 60+ knot winds and an average of 8m swells. In total, it took us 52 hours to cross the Drake Passage – the longest crossing for the M/V Ushuaia this season. While sleep deprived and bruised from the “Drake Shake”, most of us seem to be recovering very well this morning.
Throughout the day, in between eating solid foods other than crackers/biscuits, we attend our last lectures, workshops, and presentations. In our spare time, we begin preparing for Polar Night, this evening’s festivities. For the St Andrews crew this means generating a music video of sorts – think dance music meets Antarctic wildlife. I am told pre-production for the remix is scheduled to begin upon our return to Scotland.
The evening entertainment kicks off with a photo contest (with several St Andrews winners!), skits from each of the course groups, and climaxes with a boy band performance from the male Students on Ice staff. Strange what only 10 days at sea can do to the psyche.
As the party carries on into the early morning hours, suitcases begin to line the halls. Our luggage serves as a stark reminder that our time in Antarctica is now behind us, with our time at sea coming to a close as well. This has been the trip of a lifetime, and most of us will struggle to find words that can even remotely begin to describe our experiences. Our photos will not seem to do this place justice either, but we will try our best to continue to bring the White Continent to life for all of you.
Kathleen (MRes MMS)
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