Several people have asked me what life is like on the ship. The truth is, life aboard the Laurence M. Gould (LMG) is surprisingly comfortable. When she was built and put in the water, she had a 16-degree list. That means she leaned 16 degrees to the side. In order to correct this, large pontoon-like structures were placed on both the port and starboard sides and ballast was added to the bottom of the ship. This corrected the list, but means she rides in an unusual way and is somewhat slow. She’s a great ship in my book; I feel very safe and comfortable on board!
We made it through the Straits of Magellan last night (check out my journal from 2-9 for maps) and are now in the Drake PassageStrait, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans between Tierra del Fuego and the South Shetland Islands. Located about 100 mi (160 km) north of the Antarctic Peninsula, it is 600 mi (1,000 km) wide.. The ride here is considerably more exciting (the ship is rocking quite a bit), but it’s still comfortable.
What is there to do?
Reading is always a great way to pass the time. There’s a library in the lounge with paperback books to borrow. People often leave something they’ve already read and take something they’d like to read.
There’s a TV in the lounge and a fairly extensive movie collection. Last night a group of us watched “Thor.”
Exercise is also an option. The exercise room has a Bowflex machine and some free weights.
Many of the scientists spend a lot of time online editing papers, writing, and looking at data. There is WIFI in the lounge that can accommodate about 10 people at a time. I’m happy it’s here because I can post journals. It’s a bit slow, though, so I’ll likely be adding more pictures to the journals about traveling on the ship once I get to Palmer Station.
There’s a laundry room! I did a load of laundry this morning.
At times we have meetings and safety drills in the lounge. Yesterday we had a safety drill and inspected our survival suits. I tried mine on and found it was a perfect fit! The survival suits are what we’d need to put on if for some reason we abandon ship. They’re designed to keep people warm, dry, and afloat in the water. They’re also a bright color so they’re easy to spot. When they hit seawater, a light on them lights up; there’s also a whistle attached.
Where do you sleep?
I’m sleeping in a berthing van, basically a big metal box, with 4 bunks and a bathroom in it. I have 2 roommates; we use the extra bunk for our bags and other stuff. There are 2 berthing vans on ship. One is called “The Man Can” and the other is “The Lady Can.” Being a lady, I’m in the lady can!
We’ll be arriving to Palmer Station on 2-15, one day later than I anticipated. Until then, I’ll have plenty to do!
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