The last few days have been pretty uneventful in the big mass of water that is the Atlantic ocean!! Really calm seas, almost like a mill pond at times.. Been a little emotional reading the emails from home. Makes me realise just how far away I am from everyone. Although Amanda is fab at keeping me updated (thank goodness I have a wife who loves her laptop almost as much as she loves me!!!!) Almost makes me think I am there :)
We had the last proper sunset 2-3 days ago which was an awesome sight and have now moved another hour back and we are in 24 hour daylight!!! This is really messing with everyones body clock.
If we were to keep to the current speed we would arrive at Halley on friday!!! :(( For the last 12 hours or so we have had a cracking tail wind pushing from the east, blasting us up to 15knts at times, which isnt bad considering the top speed of the ship is only 12.9!!!!!
The decision was made yesterday to lift the 2 beer rule as the crew dont have any restrictions and have felt that they needed to stay up top so as not to upset anyone.. so last night most of the crew joined us for a beer (or 2,3,4....) and we had a great night. I think the highlight was Jenny the doctor leaving her camera in the lounge!!!! not sure if she's checked it yet but lets just say she will have a surprise!!!!!!! will keep you posted as the day unfolds.
We had our first sighting of Antarctica this morning at about 07:30.... Awesome! with some amazing shots of some big bergs. The kadettes on watch have been upsetting some local wildlife, with some collision courses for the seals, got a good shot of a big boy this morning.
At last we've reached the ice we've been waiting for which has slowed us down considerably. Standing at the front of the ship as she crunches through the ice is something words can't describe! what an awesome experience! and to see the reactions of the crew, some of which have been coming here for years, and are still in awe of the sights.
One area that i havent covered much is the food and catering staff, namely Ray and Rab the cooks. The quality of the food served every day is astounding!! you would pay a right pretty price (as they say in Sheffield - Deano) back home! 5 star quality...... will expand on this over the next few days, but for now the ice crunching beckons....
Two more briefings today, one on ice safety and then some first aid too.
This is truly turning into the experience of a lifetime!!!
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