The big day finally arrived. After a briefing the previous night, during which we met our fellow shipmates, we boarded a bus and headed towards bluff to meet our home for the next for the next 11 days.
The Akademik Shokalskiy is an ice strengthened research vessel out of Vladivostok and would take us to Auckland, Campbell and Snares islands over the next 11 days.
Once everyone's luggage was aboard and I had gathered mine from two other rooms, we were given the tour – including an auditorium and surprisingly, sauna. Rooms are quite nice, holding two people and having a small sofa, sink and writing desk from which you can work.
The weather was mercifully clear and the seas incredibly calm as we set out from Bluff towards Foveaux Straight. The plan was to sail around the western side of Stuart Island to avoid bad weather.
The good weather held well into the night, with a few of us remaining on deck well past sundown to watch the stars. A small wager was had guessing when the sun would, in fact, set. The winning bet was just one minute off, with the sun finally dipping under the horizon at 9:23pm.
Once the twilight began to fade, Venus was bright enough to cast light beams onto the sea in front of the boat. It is an incredible feeling indeed to be chasing the twilight south on the southern ocean in such a boat.
Seas got a little choppier overnight and it was difficult to get to sleep. The small curtains in front of each bed would slide open and closed on their own until I tucked mine in between the frame and mattress. As far as I'm aware no-one has been ill yet, although the drugs have certainly knocked a few people out. Tomorrow its on to Auckland island and our first day of work.
Once the twilight began to fade, Venus was bright enough to cast light beams onto the sea in front of the boat. It is an incredible feeling indeed to be chasing the twilight south on the southern ocean in such a boat.
Seas got a little choppier overnight and it was difficult to get to sleep. The small curtains in front of each bed would slide open and closed on their own until I tucked mine in between the frame and mattress. As far as I'm aware no-one has been ill yet, although the drugs have certainly knocked a few people out. Tomorrow its on to Auckland island and our first day of work.