Location: Punta Arenas, Chile and the Straits of Magellan
Latitude: 53° 10.449′ Longitude: 70° 53.460′ Temperature: 12.2 °C (54 °F) Wind chill: 6.2 °C (43 °F) Barometer: 989.6 mBar Relative Humidity: 67.2%
We pulled away from the dock this morning, but didn’t go very far! We’re anchored approximately 300 yards from shore waiting for some last-minute supplies. A vial of biological stain was damaged in transit, so we’re waiting for a new supply to be flown in from the U.S. today.
Pulling away from the dock at Punta Arenas.*
The large ship in the picture is a commercial fishing operation. They catch the fish and then process the fish on board. We watched them unload thousands of boxes of fish and fish meal while we were in port.
Sharon mixing chemicals under a hood.*
Meanwhile, the scientists are making final preparations for departure – mixing chemicals, testing and securing gear, etc. Everything needs to be secured for the voyage across the Drake Passage – some of the roughest water on Earth.
Gear is secured in preparation for departure.
By looking at this picture you might think we’ll be doing some kayaking while we’re in Antarctica…actually, the kayak is a cleverly designed "sled” for holding a piece of equipment that measures ice thickness.
Creature Feature
Imperial shags in the water off the dock in Punta Arenas.
I spotted several Imperial shags off the back of the ship at the dock in Punta Arenas. They have very distinctive plumage and cobalt blue patches around their eyes. Their diet is mostly fish, but they also dive for bottom-dwelling crustaceans and other invertebrates.
Our missing items were delivered to the ship this afternoon, and once we cleared customs this evening we were on our way.