Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Day 24; At Sea off Patagonia

 29 January


Noticeable pitching last night which is part of shipboard life. It is kind of pleasant, actually. The seas were clear of white caps this morning and the sun rose over the mountains 20 miles off our port side. This being a sea day it was quiet and restful. By afternoon it became cloudy and mid afternoon we had some light rain. Still the pitching. The swells are long and about 11' deep. At one pm today the Captain reported on last night's krill episode during his daily report from the bridge.


Noon reports includes: Position 47° 34.87'S / 076° 16.77'W. Turning 15.2 knots. Depth 10,700' .
Course 183°. Noon to noon run 256 nm. Total voyage 6,116 nm.

At 1530 this afternoon we slowed to allow engine cooling intakes to be cleared of krill again, as we had passed through another patch of the “little blighters” (to quote Captain Roberts). Starboard engine was cleared and off we went again. Radio reports from fishing boats indicate many are having to stop and clear their intakes. Because of this krill situation we will miss the intended Amalia Glacier and proceed off shore to the Straits of Magellan.

This is disappointing to miss an attractive part of a voyage but it must be accepted as part of travel. We have missed calls on other trips due to local disenchantment, revolution, threats of war, being outbid for a reserved berth and for the whims of mother nature. Safety of the ship and passengers is of prime concern and for that I am grateful.

It was a busy night with the pitching and rolling. With all or our gear secured there was little noise within our cabin, but plenty outside; a few loud thumps and some minor crashing as things in the midships service area settled.

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