Saturday 25 February 2012 - At Sea Crossing the Drake Passage

Stayed in bed until 07:30 and enjoyed the non-rushed atmosphere of life onboard ship when you know that everything will be done for you.  I have taken over the writing desk and turned that into my small office just like it always was in the navy.  Malcolm is more then happy for me to look after the paperwork.  We had breakfast at 08:30 although it is available from about 07:00 to 09:30.  The sea has been unbelievably smooth and the weather good in this area which is know for treacherous weather conditions.  During the day we attended numerous briefings and educational lectures and made new friends.  Malcolm has been suffering from an upset stomach which could be due to a bad mussel which he ate last night as part of the sea food which was available for dinner.  The day passed quietly as everybody settled into life at sea and adapted to the shipboard routine.  Crossing the Drake Passage was uneventful and it is difficult to imagine that this is one of the most unpredictable and dangerous bits of water in the world.  The air is so clean and cool here that sleep at night (and during the day) comes easily.