And we are officially in the Drake Passage! For those who have never heard of it - It separates South America from Antarctica, is the shortest crossing to get to Antarctica from a continent, and at a measly 800km (500 miles) wide, it's considered to be one of the roughest stretches of water in the world. In really rough weather, expect waves of over 30 feet. FUN!
The passage was named after Sir Francis Drake, who re-discovered the passage. Francisco de Hoces (A Spanish Navigator) was actually the first, which is why the channel is also referred to as the Mar de Hoces by Spanish Armada.
Now, there are two types of Drake crossings: The Drake Lake, and The Drake Shake. I don't think I need to explain which is which. The crew has been kind enough to set up barf bags all around the ship, the nurse is handing out scopolamine (anti-nausea) patches and gravol like candy, and everyone is getting ready for two days of puking!
But get this - we're currently experiencing The Drake Lake! So far, maybe 5-10 foot swells. It's quite a relaxing rocking motion! Today will consist of napping, getting gear in order, and probably some hanging out on the decks. You can tell we're moving South. After breakfast this morning, we stepped outside and hung out for a bit, you could feel that temperature dropping.
Yup. That's looking like it's getting chillier.
The Captain has mentioned (during one of his many awesome ship-wide broadcasts) that the wind is supposed to pick up tonight. We may end up with the Drake Shake after all. While I'd prefer if it stayed The Drake Lake, I feel like experiencing The Shake would be sort of fun! For five minutes....
Until tomorrow, when hopefully we'll start seeing some sea ice!
Hugs and Penguins,
-Sab