Thursday 26 February 2015

THE DRAKE PASSAGE SOUTHWARD:


The FRAM is headed south to Antarctica. The winds and seas are substantial and are coming from the southwest. As a result the FRAM is pitching and rolling a bit. Nevertheless most of the passengers were up for breakfast this morning and afterward they picked up their Hurtigruten wind and waterproof jackets.
Before lunch there were briefings about optional excursions, kayaking, camping and hiking, that will be available, weather permitting, in the course of our 19 day travels to Buenos Aires.



After lunch we were fitted for the high-insulated boots we will need to wear when we do landings in the FRAM’s Polarcirkle boats. Sizes are always a bit confusing as there are European, UK, American and Chinese sizes juggle to get each person the most correct fit.

The International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO) briefing is mandatory before we are allowed to go ashore in Antarctica. This briefing was scheduled for today but as many people are ‘under the weather’ the briefing has been re-scheduled for tomorrow. Many of us will improve if the seas calm a bit during the night.