Waiting for the Drake

So….we spent most of the day yesterday calibrating the on board sonar system.  Sound that the sonar makes is like the clacking of the momentum balls that some folks find therapeutic.  Try listening to it 24/7.  Things were so slow yesterday that a few of us played settlers of catan for most of the evening and after the many orientations that we had to go through….like how to get into an immersion suit, how to put on your PFDs (personal floating device), how to get into the life boat/pod, safety stuff, etc. 

I did go and visit the bridge and the pilothouse (called the ice house).  There was some spectacular views from the pilot house.  It was really amazing.  So far we are in calm open waters.  I (and everybody as well) am anticipating the Drake Passage and the associated diet plan.  We do plan to head on a bearing that should ease up into heavy sea, but I for see myself memorizing where all the bathrooms are.  I'm not alone on this.  The Nathaniel B. Palner is a big ship.  We all hope for a good crossing and a smooth ride out. We are sailing at a speedy 19 knots right now, but there will be a slow down when one of the scientist on board want to test out a a piece of equipment that is part of the sampling equipment.  Hopefully that will all be done before we hit the crossing

I've learned the tie the bowline knot fairly competently.  Of course, this was learned while securing everything down in our spaces.  Everything has to be secured so that when we enter the Drake or heavy seas, we don't have stuff flying around the lab spaced.

Anyhoo, right now, it's hurry up and wait. 

 

Till next time!