You’re camping WHERE?

Today we approached Avian Island where our birders planned to set up a field camp and spend the next five days surveying the resident penguin population. I think most of the other scientists on board are envious of this remarkable opportunity. When I was describing it to my mother over email, she thought it sounded like a terrible time…so I guess extreme scientific camping isn’t for everyone. As we approached, the mountains rose spectacularly from the water, but that’s not what really caught the eye of our crew. There was more interest in the belt of brash ice and larger flows surrounding the island. It would be tricky to safely approach the camp site with a small boat. The technical crew (ASC, Antarctic Support Contractors…I think) took the birders out for a cautious foray. It took a long time to approach the site, and the ice was thick in places. It would be too risky to make multiple trips ferrying people and gear to the island. A strategic decision was made to wait a bit. The ice can be very dynamic…a small shift in the winds and currents can make a big difference. The area might open up overnight…or might not. So we wait.

Waiting isn’t so bad. I have my experiments to tend and a blog to write. One of the scientists has a birthday today, so there will be cake in a few minutes. And we are surrounded by penguins. Yes, things could be worse.