As we cruised passed Cuverville Island, we could see the tell-tale signs of penguins hauling out and resting on the snow. As one of the observers noted, it was a good thing there weren’t manyContinue reading
Category: Antarctica – 2009
Andvord Bay (Wed., 5/20/09) – The ice is getting thick and the minke whales are getting playful…
While the science was going right on schedule, the highlight of the day was an unanticipated visit from an extremely curious minke whale. The team awoke this morning in Andvord Bay and we readied forContinue reading
Piccard Cove (Tues., 5/19/09) – Just Another “Normal” Day in the Antarctic
I am humbled to be a part of this experience and am continuously amazed at how a “normal” day for us here in the Antarctic is an extraordinary day in each and every one ofContinue reading
Palmer (Mon., 5/18/09) – We’re Surrounded By Antarctica
…brash ice with two southern fulmars on ice bits off the port side, whales on three sides of us, penguins honking about 200 meters away, and glaciers calving 2-3 kilometers away…. In the past fewContinue reading
Andvord Bay (Sun., 5/17/09) – Orcas!!!
Today brought us into contact with our first killer whales (Orcinus orca) of the trip. Ari spotted them traveling northeast along the Gerlache, and thanks to a little luck, he soon had some amazing picturesContinue reading
Andvord Bay (Sat., 5/16/09) – Visions of sugarwhales dancing in my head
It was like Christmas Eve, getting to go tag a whale in the morning on a zodiac in Antarctica! What a dream! Last night at 7pm, Doug called together a “Science Sharing” meeting in theContinue reading
Andvord Bay (Fri., 5/15/09) – The emotional rollercoaster
Yay! There’s a whale just sitting at the surface, let’s tag that one! … Boo, that guy was a bit difficult to track. Yay! The port call is over and we get to head backContinue reading
Palmer Station (Wed., 5/13/09) – More than just a port for the Gould
Palmer Station is home to quite a bit of science year round, mostly of the geophysical sort. Palmer Station is a wonderful place. I’ve really enjoyed spending a couple of days here while we catchContinue reading
Palmer (Sun., 5/10/09) – Leg One Is In the Bag!
Our first leg of tagging was amazingly productive (and fun). Yesterday we concluded our first of three tagging legs with a return trip to Palmer Station. It was a remarkably successful first 10 days. WeContinue reading
Palmer Station (Sat., 5/9/09)-The Battle at Base Brown
Deadly, dangerous, deceitful. Scientists are all of these. Whether it takes form in freezing helpless krill, kicking their last feeble kicks as they near dewars of liquid nitrogen, or sneaking up on sleeping whales, smackingContinue reading