Wednesday, March 6, 2019

South American and Antarctic Adventure! Volume II: Zaandam Cruise, Part XIII: Drake Passage and Scotia Sea

January 1st: Happy New Year!

We spent the whole next day at sea onboard the Zaandam. We went to "Talks" about Port Stanley (our next port) where we learned about the birds of the Falkland Islands and activities that we can do while at port.

We also went to "Ask the Captain" where we were able to learn more about the guy who runs the ship. He did a quick presentation about the Zaandam and then opened the floor to questions. 

One thing I really enjoyed about today was Scott's talk about the birds of the Falkland Islands. Not because he talked about birds, but because of what he said about us visiting Antarctica. He talked about how the excursion to land on Antarctica (King George Island) was canceled due to bad weather, but that's okay. You don't need to put "boots on the ground" in order to enjoy Antarctica. As by not landing, we actually did our part to reduce our carbon footprint. Plus, you are able to see so much more by boat than you would EVER see on foot. He also talked about the ship and how the Captain did his best to use less fuel and make our time in the Antarctic as safe and environmentally friendly as possible. I loved that we were able to see the Great White Continent and that we were able to enjoy it while considering our own impacts on the land.

That night we played "Guess the Year" Team Trivia and we came in second place!

Our trip across the Drake was pretty uneventful (which was very surprising to the Captain and crew). The waters were calm and we were able to cross the Drake very quickly.

[In the Drake]

Once we exited the Drake and entered the Scotia Sea, Mother Nature decided to show us what she was really made of!

The Zaandam was rocking so much that even my daily Dramamine couldn't help me. That night was rough, but it was the first and last time I got sick on the trip, so I can't complain too much!

[Scotia Sea]


[Trying to bathe Theo while the Zaandam is rocking was quite an experience!]


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