Hi Nell!
I've finally had some time to catch up on your journals (besides what I hear from my mom every day or so) and I really enjoyed reading about everything you're doing - so many cool experiences and great pictures too!
I was particularly interested by your mention of the seals you've seen - Elephant, Crabeater, Antarctic Fur, and Leopard (SO COOL!). Do just seem them when you're out on the water or are there some closer to the station? Seen any babies, since it is summer there? And, being a studious Ocean Bowler (love the name of the Zodiac :) ) I know that in addition to those there are Weddell and Ross seals - seen any of those?
Wow. I can't get over the Leopard Seals. I've known about them for so long and how nasty they can be, especially when it comes to penguins (don't forget to bring us home a mascot for Nationals) but it must be so awesome to see them for real. And the fact you have to be wary of them when diving. WOW. Have there been documented attacks (in general, that you know of) or is it just a precaution since they're a wild animal and have the potential to be dangerous? I can't see them going after humans intentionally unless it was territorial - and penguins and people are rather different in size so mistaken identity is less likely... Let me know what you think/have heard.
I remember you saying so saw Humbacks - any other whales? Orcas maybe? Hourglass dolphins?
Oh, and final comment: I loved the video of the snails and limpets and sea stars - almost as cool as the Leopard seals. WOW. That was really amazing the way they got themselves so far out of their shell to escape. Sounds like a special foot modification, because a snail like that wouldn't really need a long stretchy foot to dig down into the bottom like a clam or something. Hmm fascinating.
It's been awesome seeing what you're doing, it's so exciting that you're out doing real in ANTARCTICA! Wow. We're trying to keep in shape with some Ocean Bowl practices, and trying to get some questions submitted to the OSQ MIT game - they're all due the 29th so we're running out of time... uh oh. Have a great rest of your stay - can't wait to hear more! Tell everyone the ocean nerds from State High send along greetings!
Love, Janine