We finally arrived to Palmer Station after what could only be described as a docile crossing of the Drake Passage. We had stellar weather on the way down, which gives me mixed feelings since I both want to truly experience the immense power of the Southern Ocean, but I also don’t want to truly experience the immense power of the Southern Ocean. The Gould is an amazingly well equipped ship that has done the crossing hundreds of times, but because it is so well built (ice-capable), it apparently has a unique corkscrew motion that can make even the most hardened mariner a bit green. But alas, I’ll have to wait until May to really know.
We were greeted by most of the station at the pier, since the LMG not only brings fresh faces, but also fresh food. It had been 6 weeks since the station’s last resupply, and the fresh fruit and veg was starting to wane. It took about a day to unload the ship and the team that disembarked at Palmer spent that time attending orientation and getting settled in. What an amazing place!
We spent most of our time on the bridge looking for whales. With the great weather on the way down, we saw more than we expected.
Before we could land, the crew had to install a repaired fender (AKA a Yokahama) that was beat up by the ice over the winter.
Notes left from the buggers (the folks studying mites and midges here at Palmer) They’re just jealous! We’re working on our comeback.
Amazing maneuvering by the crew, the Gould snuck in between the iceberg and shore to arrive at Palmer.
The two icebergs here are actually connected underwater. Incredible!
The Gould came through this amazing channel on our way to Palmer. This shot is looking North; Anvers Island is to the left.
Mount William dominates the background at Palmer and finds its way into most of my pictures. Palmer is just out of the frame to the left.
Bio Building, Palmer Station, Anvers Island. This shot is taken from the balcony of the GWR building, looking out over Bio and Arthur Harbor. My room is on the top floor of the green building.
RV Gould docked for the night before leaving us to embark on her six week research cruise.
