Monday, November 20, 2006

More on the Laurence M. Gould

David Ruth on deck.
The Gould, although of a slightly ungainly shape, is clean and beautifully painted. The equipment is all is perfect running order and she is so clean you could eat off the engine room floor.

I always thought these enclosed lifeboat looked scary, but they are roomy inside with seats along the perimeter for 44 persons. They leave the heat on at all times so an escape from the ship wouldn't be too painful. One of the two boat has a radio beacon. They are self-righting, so you have to be strapped in. Supplies of food are for about three days and there is enough fuel to go about 120 miles. Not too far in the Southern Ocean and Antarctica.

Navagational chart. You can see our route on the tape as we pass Deception Island.

Every day the Chileans fax a weather map.

Our first view of Antarctica was at Cape Shirreff, as we tried to land Gitta McDonald for her study of Southern elephant seals. The winds and seas were too high to let her off and she has ended up at Palmer until the Gould returns to try again.

18 Comments:

Blogger MM said...

this is so cool

11/21/06, 11:28 AM  
Blogger Renegade said...

WOW! How I would love to be on such an expedition!

Good luck to you!

Please visit Renegade's BS

11/21/06, 11:36 AM  
Blogger Nueva Especie said...

Very important your blog. Iam invited for you write in my blog http://nueva-especie.blogspot.com/

11/21/06, 12:14 PM  
Blogger Felicity Grace said...

Found your blog listed as a 'blog of note' on Blogger. Sounds like an absolutely fascinating project! I would love to see Antarctica, I look forward to following your progress.

11/21/06, 12:27 PM  
Blogger Laurel said...

Glad to see more and more people taking an interest in the polar regions. I'm currently on the north end working on a year long photography project (coldphoto.blogspot.com). Until recently I was on the CCGS Amundsen in northern Canada (now I'm in Greenland) - looks somewhat similar to your experience on the Laurence M Gould.

Best of luck!

11/21/06, 12:49 PM  
Blogger Mae Gysonn said...

hmm, I remember going to a science lecture a long time ago... they said you could wear bikinis and play beach volleyball there during the day time cuz the sun is that warm. =D Good luck to ya!

11/21/06, 1:17 PM  
Blogger Mitch said...

Wow -- what an amazing journey. I wish I could be there right now myself....

Good luck to you, sir!

11/21/06, 1:23 PM  
Blogger Benarster said...

I congratulate you on this space it's very good,very beatiful photos.
Regards from Chile
Luck in your expedition
go ahead!!
:)

11/21/06, 1:30 PM  
Blogger The Great Quotes said...

Thanks God!
Blogger guys finely found something
really interesting!

Great story!!!!!

THE GREAT QUOTES.blogspot.com

11/21/06, 1:46 PM  
Blogger Watchman said...

Brrr!
I spent a 2 year tour of duty with the US Army in AK, and do not relish the idea of being in Anartica. But I have much respect for those of you scientist that contribute so much to mankind,that are willing to brave the dangers and discomforts of the cold. Your services to the world are truly heroic and I pray you God's protection and care over all of you.

Keep safe. ;o)

11/21/06, 2:38 PM  
Blogger Jones said...

A fascinating blog :-) Criminal Records

11/21/06, 2:56 PM  
Blogger Macaco Rey said...

blog very good =)

11/21/06, 3:47 PM  
Blogger bla said...

Might seem a stupid question...but why everything is orange when people go to Antartica?! I mean, boats, clothes...nevermind...

Keep it up!

The Ad Mad!

11/21/06, 4:09 PM  
Blogger Al Bonney said...

My son just sent me your blog - Very interesting. My daughter and I will be participating in a Marathon in Antarctica in late February. I will revisit frequently for your observations. Thanks for this.

Al

11/21/06, 4:41 PM  
Blogger Eve said...

Sometimes you encounter something that jolts you out of complacency, inspires a childlike curiosity in the world. I would love to ride in an enclosed lifeboat, receive Chilean weather forecasts, and go on a true adventure!

Good luck!

11/21/06, 6:31 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

it looks cold there


www.energyturtle.com

11/21/06, 6:39 PM  
Blogger Polka Dotted Pickles said...

It's great to read about someone who got a grant through the NSF. I am an undergraduate, and I plan on attempting the same thing.

11/21/06, 7:25 PM  
Blogger zippiknits...sometimes said...

I love your blog and your ice photography! Thanks for blogging about your adventures in Antarctica.

I've linked to yours so that those who read mine (four maybe five?) can pick it up, and so can I!

Best Wishes for success in everything.

11/25/06, 11:13 PM  

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