5pm Thursday 21st March
Just come off shift, and for the first time there was not a CTD just before so I actually got off on time! (the only down side is that the next CTD will be late this evening so it will be an even later night for me tonight) I just went up to monkey island (the very top of the ship) and spent a bit of time enjoying the sunshine. I sat next to the captain at lunch today (!) and he described this as the calm before the storm. Oh dear. The captain is a nice, fairly quiet and unassuming character. His napkin ring says 'Master'. The first officer is everything you could hope for in an English sailor/officer type. He has the accent, mannerisms and black beard to go with it all! The ships doctor has the most incredibly posh English accent I have ever encountered! He is really nice guy though and happy to help out! I took pity on him having nothing to do so trained him up to help with the sampling! :D
While I was up on monkey island I really wanted to photo an albatross... however they were all being shy so no luck! When I am busy they are bloody everywhere but as soon as my camera is handy.... Nada.
The big headline today is MORE PENGUINS! While we were sampling there was a group of 4 king penguins frolicking around in the water by the ship! I didn't have my camera on me so no photos I am afraid. Really beautiful, fast and graceful creatures. They look really sleek and vivacious in the sea.... not like these chubby, waddely things you see on land!
I am covered in bruises! Hands and knees in particular. Clearly I am not used to real hard work. I also have weirdly sore muscles in my hands from carrying the sample bottles... they at least are going to be strong by the end of this! The food has been pretty good actually so despite the bumps I am feeling fairly healthy. I am actually quite lucky to be coeliac on the ship... otherwise all the three course meals and huge helpings would be flooring me!
Its a really nice bunch of people I am working with. When we sample its usually me with a clipboard bossing folk about, Brian a technician from the US who has been doing this kinda thing for over 30 years so is great to work with, two young guys from Tazmania who oparate the CTD, an engineer with BAS called Paul, Pierre from France who was taught english by a Scot and says number like a real highlander and whoever else is to hand. Its early days but we are still all managing to have a laugh with it!
The waves are starting to pick up now...
Miss you. Love you. X x x x
NB. If I have not already mentioned this on the left is a link to the ships webcam and from that page you can follow a link to info like the ships track and see where about in the sea I am!
So glad you are there safe, and also enjoying it! I am very jealous of all of this wildlife you are seeing, I am hoping they behave so I can see some photographs when you get back!
ReplyDeletePlease survive the storms in one piece! We are missing you lots here :) xxxx
Really enjoying your blog though I had to phone your Mum to work out how to post a comment! Shame about the egrets. The journey out there and the dietary snarl ups sound a bit difficult but worth it for the wonderful journey. i love the webcam and your descriptions. it was the 'difficult 3rd album' for Dr Strangely strange and it came 30 years after the other 2!!
ReplyDeleteHope you don't get too battered in the storm.
It's the first day of spring and we've got a blizzard here.
Uncle Will
Hii Sweetie, We are having a freezing gale at the moment. Pete got the last ferry off the island first thing this morning and we are totally marooned now! No problem. I am busy with the auction stuff. Tomorrow is the big day and I feel that it will be a success.
ReplyDeleteI am loving hearing about the ship, the people, the birds, the work,.... even the bruises. you will be strong when you get back. The sea swell sounds amazing and bit scary. I really hope you don't end up being Seasick Shiv. It is totally amazing to have such good contact with you and to hear about your experiences so quickly when you are so far away. Love you loads and sending hugs xxxx
Sounds like it is very wild and that getting things done is a bit tricky...(I have been reading the other blog) ... and it must be exhausting. Hope you are all right and that the weather improves for you soon.. Thinking of you. Love and hugs xx
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