Wednesday, March 26, 2003
After wrapping some things up in the lab before the seas get rougher, we spent the afternoon at Deception Island. The island is a caldera, kind of doughnut shaped, so the water in the center of the island is very protected. We took the zodiacs ashore and spent a few hours just exploring. There's an old whaling station turned research station and you can walk around inside. It's a bit dilapidated of course, but because the place is so remote, it is for the most part undisturbed. I believe the last occupants were British scientists during the '60s. A couple of the crew found a magazine from 1964 about the moon landing. . . . So, apart from being chased by seals (note: it's difficult to run in a mustang suit), it was a very peaceful, beautiful place. I hope the pictures do it justice.
Tonight we head toward the Drake and on to Punta Arenas. We should arrive in Chile on Sunday morning. We've seen so many incredible things, it's strange to think of being back in the same old routine by next week. So much has happened since we left, yet I'm sure that much will remain unchanged. It will be great to see people I've missed, but a bit sad to leave this beautiful place. Until next time!
Sara
Old whaling dory partially buried in the volcanic sands of Deception Island. RSV L.M. Gould sits offshore.
Wooden buildings from research stations abandoned in the 1960s after volcanic Deception Island became active again with multiple small cinder cones developing near the research station.
Sara Draucker, Sarah Doane, Randy Dirszowski, Amy Leventer, Emily Constantine, Don Michaelson, Sarah Dizick- onshore at Deception Island- the L.M. Gould in the background.
Seabirds take advantage of the dry land and sheltered surroundings of Deception Island to nest.
