15 February 2023, Antarctic Cruise Day 2, Drake Passage –

Not long after midnight we started to feel some rolling of the ship, but nothing to cause concern.  We slept really well (probably thanks to the tablets), and woke up to a “Drake Lake” rather than a “Drake Shake” – swells of barely a metre, and nothing we haven’t encountered in the Baltic or the North Sea.  We just need to get our sea legs, as walking around is a bit unsteady. 

More briefings – the good news is that we should have continuing good weather for the crossing; we are tucked in nicely between two fronts, so are very lucky.  We also learned that the Expedition Leader is hopeful of getting us as far south as this ship has ever been, which means we really would feel like explorers.

The cabin looked like a bomb had hit it, with both suitcases in complete disarray, so our priority for the day was to find a place for everything. Easier said than done – between meals, briefings, collecting our boots, vacuuming our outerwear (no seeds allowed), and exploring the ship, we had very little free time.  However now everything is neatly stowed.  Our cabin is well designed. The bathroom has a full shower. There are lots of cupboards and shelves, and we finally feel settled in, with time now to relax a bit (briefings, drills etc finished for the day).

We ventured outside to check out the pool and hot tub.  Rule 1 – never venture outside without one’s bright orange, windproof, Helly Hansen jacket.  Otherwise we are warm and comfy in trackies and lightweight fleeces.  On the health front, things are on the improve. Ian had a bit of bronchitis which is on the mend, and my phlebolite seems to be responding and settling down, and we are looking forward to seeing our first penguins and icebergs in a couple of days time.