The snail and the whale

We continue to make our slow, haltering progress across the Drake Passage, but with this bit if survey work nearly completed, progress will pick up. So that's the snail bit.

The last few days have seen me getting more work done and fingers crossed things are largely on track. I'll never get everything I intended done, but that is always the case.

As for whales - well work was interrupted this morning by a large number of whales surrounding the ship while a CTD cast was taking place. There were more than one type, but mainly Fin Whales I am told. Notoriously difficult to photograph, but I did my best. Results below. What an absolute privilege to be able to watch so many of these animals at such close quarters. Incredible.




After dinner I got a chance to speak to my colleague from MAGIC Peter Fretwell, on the daily radio call. He has been doing some survey work on the South Shetlands for the last couple of months and is desperate for a hot shower and a cold G&T. We are due to collect him and a colleague on Wednesday morning from near the Chinese 'Great Wall' Base. That'll be right next to the Peruvian 'Machu Pichu' Base. And you think I am kidding. Due to the relatively easy access, the South Shetland Islands where these bases are located along with several others, is some of the most crowded Antarctic real estate.

Hope you are all OK - especially little people who seem to be doing synchronised falling down stairs. Fergus and Jessica - you know who I am talking about.