Settling in

Oct 4th 2009
Greetings!

I think I am finally settled in. Yeah! The boat departed with the winter crew on Thursday. So we are just down to 25 of us. It will once again return on the 20th of October with the remainder of our Summer crew and some science http://www.norbertwu.com/galleries/Antarctica.html Norbert Wu is coming, he is an underwater photographer. It will be pretty wonderful to see his stuff and talk to him. We met last time I was here, but it was only for a couple of weeks. This time he will be here for almost 2 months. I am the lone cook for a couple of weeks so we are not fixing a hot breakfast but I'm trying my darnedest to fatten um up with cinnamon rolls and cookies. Lots and lots of cookies. Diane, my counterpart, comes in on the next boat. She is fantastic. She will cook breakfast/lunch and I will do dinner and lots of paper work. My favorite. Have had the chance to go up the glacier a couple of times and see a week old Elephant Seal. Amazing. It's still so fuzzy and little. Over the next 3-4 weeks more wildlife will be migrating this way for mating and hopefully lots and lots of whales.

So we have been in on/off safety stand down due to wind. That is when we have to stay where we are and not go outside. We have been having guest of 80mph. Aahh. it makes the whole building shake. Amazing what power the wind has.. Today is my day off, Sunday's as a rule unless the boat comes in and I am getting ready to go out boating. The winds have died down to about 15 knots so we are going to try and go for it. Hopefully we will see some penguins. :) Not much more going on here. We are settling in to our jobs and routines as a group and getting to know each other. The crew over all is fantastic. I feel very blessed to be surrounded by such great people that have done so many wonderful things and traveled so many parts of the world. Of course we played poker in the bar last night and I very shortly afterward was sitting at the bar watching the rest play.. oh well. :) I have uploaded some photos of time when the ship was here and a couple from the glacier and seals. Hopefully I will have more upon my return from boating. Well that is all for now my friends. Just wanted to share that all is well and I am settled and looking so forward to this season. Thanks in advance for sharing it with me and all your encouragements and e-mails and love. I am so very thankful for you all and count it a privilege to share this journey with you.

Have a blessed Sunday,

cheers,

Stace