10 March Orientation, New Clothes, Lab Tour

Today, as will everyday, started with producing 2Dcl of spit in a tube by 8AM. I headed for the gym and passed Karla on her way on my way back to the room. It’s a small facility, two elliptical machines, three treadmills, a rowing, machine, free weights and an assortment of nautilus-like machines. We both had the facility to ourselves.

After showers, coffee, tea and yogurt, we were off to the mandatory Antarctic Environment Protection brief. Bottom-line up front—Take only pictures, leave only footprints. Oh and BTW, if the footprint in the snow is deep, fill it in so the penguins don’t fall in. No food, no smoking, nothing left behind. Stay 5 meters away from the penguins, 15 from the seals. Back-up if they approach and don’t run from the seals, they’ll chase after you.

We were issued our arctic wear today, parka, pants, and boots. Very well managed with the staff making an educated guess and handing your what they thought was the right size. Always ready to help with an exchange. We also had any clothing we expected to bring ashore inspected for for any plant detritus or insects. Once again quick and fast.

Clothing Inspection

The lab tour was very interesting. The goal is to publish lab research in vetted scientific journals. The scientists on board have their salaries and experimental equipment paid by Viking. Any scientist can apply to Viking with a proposal to be reviewed by an independent board, and if accepted, Viking will pay his/her salary and all other expenses required.

Lobster and scallops for dinner tonight with a couple we met from Elgin, IL. We agreed to meet later this week for Italian at Manfredi’s

Crab Salad Appetizer

Lobster and Scallop Main Course

I purposely have not included any pictures of the ship interior. Bandwidth for uploads is challenging and the professional photographers of Viking have done a pretty good job at the Viking/com web site.