Surviving the Drake

Feb 17, 2010

Well, here we are–30 American (and one Italian) Jews sailing on a ship amoungst just 200 people from around the world, having just converged on the MV Fram for Expedition Antarctica. Yesterday we sailed through the infamous Drake Passage, a body of water where the Atlantic and Pacific meet and where we have been warned are the potentially roughest seas on earth.

Donning medicinal patches, pressure point wristbands and seasickness pills, we emerged from “the passage” mostly unscathed…save for just a few queasy uneasies. Truth is, most folks awoke in time for breakfast and then headed back to their cabins for mid morning reprieves in prone positions. As the day wore on and we left rough seas for the calmer waters of the southern ocean, life began to spawn once again. For those up and about, the first day aboard the MV Fram was laden with educational opportunities–a collection of lectures and films to help us understand the land to which we will be visiting and the accompanying wildlife that will share our space. “Interesting” is an understatement, but actual experiences will prevail. Proof in the pudding occurs as I write this; we are sailing amongst the first land masses–a collection of islands–known as the South Shetland Islands of Antarctica,and their accompanying icebergs. One of those monoliths is seen freshly downloaded above.

The rushes of people towards the window has just listed the vessel towards the starboard side. In just a few hours, however, we will embark upon Half Moon Island, our first real footprints on the continent. Anticipation and excitement is mounting. We’re really here!