66°33′ South

Yesterday was devoid of wildlife to my untrained eyes but after lunch today some petrels and albatrosses  put in an appearance.

Currently heading toward the west side the Antarctic peninsula that extends northward toward Cape Horn. The captain is taking advantage of another calm day today to press further south – tomorrow they are anticipating higher winds.

Popped into the bridge this morning before breakfast – it was empty apart from the second in command lady.

Lectures today: Birds of Antarctica, Geology Rocks, Heli-landing briefing and Intro to the Cetaceans of the Antarctic Peninsula. 

If you ever wondered why there are no penguins in the northern hemisphere it’s because of the presence of land predators along the way. Even if the pengies made it all the way to the Arctic, they would just be a tasty snack for a polar bear during nesting season. I asked Fabrice why the different penguin species have different coloured feet. He said it’s likely has to do with sexual selection especially where the Gentoo penguins are concerned. The Gentoo, he feels, have the sexiest feet. The brighter the feet , the healthier the bird (since the colour comes from their krill diet), and the more desirable the mate.

Sophia the young geologist/glaciologist gave a talk explaining, among other things, tectonic plate movement. Her enthusiasm made it, as she would say, rock.

Grigory talked about whales – apparently whale poop is key to a healthy food chain in the southern ocean. Even though they are at the top of the food chain, without the poop fertilizer and whale movement up and down thru the water, there isn’t much of a food chain at all. We are crossing the continental shelf tonight (last night we crossed the Antarctic Convergence) and he expecting to see some whale action soon.

Had all our outerwear inspected for potential contaminants before we land on continent…which may happen tomorrow.

Got all learned up on helicopter safety – I have a one in six chance of sitting beside the pilot.

Dinner and a bar talk yet to come – they certainly know how to fill your day!