53 29 south 66 46 west
Clouds on the horizon, 41 F @ 8:30
Light breeze, calm seas.

We are currently on the eastern side of South America, headed north towards the Straits of Magellan. Winds are predominantly from the west in this area, just like in Clinton, so this area is well protected from wind and usually has calm seas. With the smooth crossing of the Drake, the difference is not noticeable at all.

We should arrive in Punta Arenas around this time tomorrow. Once customs officers clear the ship we will disembark for the first time since our landing at James Ross Island.

The students have come up with a couple of innovative ways of passing the time. Yesterday it was a game of hide and seek. With 300 feet and 6 decks of ship that is a lot of hiding places for nine students. They did try to limit it somewhat with a rule of no hiding outside. There is also a rumor of a video being filmed. Lots of people were wandering around in unusual costumes yesterday.

Everything is packed and ready to ship back to the various institutions. Lots of cargo will be moved off the Palmer in Punta Arenas and new cargo brought on. The ship will be in port for 3 days then leaves with another cruise back to the Peninsula near Anvers Island.

The e-mail connection will remain active for us until we leave the ship the morning of the 3rd. I will continue to report on our adventures until that time.

Systems operator just said, "mail's going out, hit hose send buttons".

Cheers,

Dave

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