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Day 2 - Thursday, 21st March 2013.
Position at 8:00: 55°49.4'S, 065°48.4'W.
Weather: N 7; Clear; Rough sea; +7°C.
At sea - En route to Antarctica (Story by Yolly)
With a rough Drake Passage forecast we all wake up tentatively, unsure of the seas that will be greeting us this morning. Fortunately we have been spared the worst, but as the day progresses there are a few lively waves keeping us on our toes - or not as the case may be. Those of us who succumb to seasickness have visited DrAlejandro hours earlier and soon the majority of us are finding our sea legs as we weave our way along the corridors and up the staircases of Plancius.
During the morning Brent gives his lecture: "Identifying Seabirds of the Southern Ocean". This is perfectly timed - the strong wind whipping through the Drake Passage creates perfect conditions for seabirds and throughout the day we are spotting the majestic Albatrosses and Petrels soaring alongside Plancius.
In the afternoon the kayakers meet with Louise while the divers meet with Erin andJerry. After the kayakers and divers have learned more about their planned activities for the coming week, Sonja gives a super lecture entitled "Whale of a Tale". This lecture allowes us all to become more acquainted with the whales we are all so eager to see during our voyage around the Antarctic Peninsula. Fingers crossed!
The ship isn't going to cease rolling, but we aren't going to cease our activities either and this evening we all convene in the lounge for our first "recap" of the trip. We hear from various members of staff about a variety of topics from Antarctic Krill to Polar History - all of which gives us ever more insight into the marvellous continent that is Antarctica. Then it is time for another scrumptious dinner - the amazing skill of the kitchen staff never fails to impress in rolling seas.
Following dinner, those of us who are steady on our sea legs convened in the bar to toast our first day in the Drake and being one step closer to Antarctica. A game of Kings ensures a fun rest of the evening....
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