poletopole (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
poletopole) wrote2007-12-21 08:00 pm
poletopole) wrote2007-12-21 08:00 pm
Snow going
Ship's Position at 12:00:
This morning there was enough snow on the bow and decks to support a small snowball battle, which amused everyone but two Australian ladies rooming together who opened their window and told off some people for laughing too lustily. Truly, here we have all the comforts of home!
The storm that brought the snow brought also heavy swell, so the course today has kept to the ice rather than getting out — the ice pack damps the swell by about 50%. Interestingly, the knowledgeable people on the ship all know that ice damps swell, but there doesn't seem to be as much as a rule-of-thumb formula for calculating how much swell is damped by ice over distance. Thus, someone guessed that the 2-meter swell we were getting in the ice pack was probably a 4-meter swell in open conditions, but without knowing how far in the ice we are, the guess is only a guess. Thus, we're making slow progress — the ice being covered by snow makes for slightly heavier going.
There is still plenty of light outside, even when it's snowing. Sunglasses are essential not only for going on deck, but for looking out the window if one wants to see any details in the glare.
Few penguins were seen on the ice floes today. One lone Adelie sleeping right in front of the ship only woke up just in time, scampered around in a panic trying to figure out what was going on, and was last spotted porpoising away as fast as he could a goodly distance from the stern, starboard side. The crew do not stop for penguins.
The passenger body is torpid enough that tonight's film Love, Actually is a highlight of the day. I passed on most organized activities except the Russian lesson, which is interesting and could be useful someday. We are being drilled in phrases like "Have a pleasant watch!" and reminded to address officers formally although the waitresses don't mind more casual greetings.
- 64°28.5' S 55°06.8' E
- Course 90°; Speed 6 kts
- Air temperature 5°C; Wind 14 kts; Direction 150°
- Weather: Snow; Visibility 2
- Ice Cover: 10/10
- Distance covered past 24 hours: 145.4 nautical miles
This morning there was enough snow on the bow and decks to support a small snowball battle, which amused everyone but two Australian ladies rooming together who opened their window and told off some people for laughing too lustily. Truly, here we have all the comforts of home!
The storm that brought the snow brought also heavy swell, so the course today has kept to the ice rather than getting out — the ice pack damps the swell by about 50%. Interestingly, the knowledgeable people on the ship all know that ice damps swell, but there doesn't seem to be as much as a rule-of-thumb formula for calculating how much swell is damped by ice over distance. Thus, someone guessed that the 2-meter swell we were getting in the ice pack was probably a 4-meter swell in open conditions, but without knowing how far in the ice we are, the guess is only a guess. Thus, we're making slow progress — the ice being covered by snow makes for slightly heavier going.
There is still plenty of light outside, even when it's snowing. Sunglasses are essential not only for going on deck, but for looking out the window if one wants to see any details in the glare.
Few penguins were seen on the ice floes today. One lone Adelie sleeping right in front of the ship only woke up just in time, scampered around in a panic trying to figure out what was going on, and was last spotted porpoising away as fast as he could a goodly distance from the stern, starboard side. The crew do not stop for penguins.
The passenger body is torpid enough that tonight's film Love, Actually is a highlight of the day. I passed on most organized activities except the Russian lesson, which is interesting and could be useful someday. We are being drilled in phrases like "Have a pleasant watch!" and reminded to address officers formally although the waitresses don't mind more casual greetings.
no subject
Hugs,
L