What is it that leads a person to set sail into the Southern Ocean, some of the most unforgiving seas in the world.
Ernest Shackelton set sail in search of fame and fortune during the glory days of Antarctic exploration. Numerous other men with basketball sized testicles and a handful of harpoons also headed south into the ice cube washing machine in search of that sweet sweet whale blubber.
Nowaday’s, with google maps covering the exploration front and the bumper sticker sellers at sea shepherd doing their best to keep the whaling under wraps, the primary appeal of the Southern Ocean is science.
The Southern Ocean reigns supreme as the planets quarterback, supposedly having more influence on global climate behaviour than any other body of water. And as I have come to learn, that seems to be what marine and atmospheric scientists wet dreams are made of.
So on a Sunny summers day, with we set sail with 20 crew, 40 Scientists and Operations Technicians and not a lot of confidence that the fresh food would last the 51 days we were about to spend at sea.
With water temperatures as low as -3 degrees celsius, should a person fall overboard, the vessel is fitted with a number of these orange commemorative wreaths that can be thrown in after them as a sign of respect.
Working Nightshift doesn't have a whole lot of perks, but seeing sunrises like this was definitely one of the few.
One of the unique benefits of working in the southern ocean is that if you want to catch both the sunset AND sunrise, there is only approximately one Lord of the Rings movie wait time between the two.
Maritime Muzz. Keeper of the watch, watcher of the sunset.
Approximately 10% of the Southern Ocean is a place of unimaginable beauty... It's just a shame you have to sail through the other 90% to get there!
If you've enjoyed this little photographic journey to the South so far, stay tuned for Part 2!
Shawn Achor's "The Happiness Advantage" taught me the power of gratitude
Let's spread some across Steemit! If you want to comment but don't know what to say, just tell me 3 things you’re grateful for today and why. If you’re struggling to come up with ideas try:
- Something temporary (your coffee, the sunshine)
- A person
- An object