Around South America in 80 Days

February 4, 2019

The Antarctic Experience Day 2

How can doing nothing be so tiring? I went to bed before midnight and slept until 9! Unfortunately, when I looked out I found the beautiful weather of most of yesterday had left us and it was quite foggy.

A number of the scientists from the U.S. Palmer Station came aboard this morning and gave two talks – we were divided by dinner seating. They talked about what they did and life in an Antarctic research station. In the summer months there are about 45 people working there and 15-20 during the winter.

After the talk, I went to the Crow’s Nest and watched their zodiac leave the ship stocked up with fruit, vegetables, and lots of sodas. Pat and I worked on our stitchery for awhile before I left for lunch.

In arts and crafts we made a beaded bracelet.

Had my afternoon ice cream and read some before returning to my cabin. Rather than stand outside in the cold temperature (just a degree or so above freezing), I put the TV on and when the Antarctic commentator comes on with an interesting sight, I rushed outside. The evening weather turned much nicer than earlier in the day and we even saw a little bit of sunlight.

Evening trivia was questions that the various teams turned in. Many of them went with rather obscure facts while others had questions you could reason out.

1) What is Queen Latifah’s real name?

2) What was the first name of “Doc” on Gunsmoke”

3) What is Donald Duck’s middle name?

4) In what year did Henry VIII marry Anne Boleyn?

5) What is the only place where the flag is never lowered or saluted?

6) In what famous novel did the clock strike 13?

7) In which city is the only statue of the devil?

8) Where in the body is the “loop of Henley”?

9) In what sitcom did all of the stars win an Emmy?

10) In what year was Quebec City founded?

Only six of us for dinner. I had a salad, crab crostini, shrimp and crab fried rice, and crème caramel for dessert.

There was supposed to be a music trivia at 9 pm but it was cancelled due to scenic viewing. We went through an area with lots of whales and people kept running from one side of the Crow's Nest to the other.

I did not go to the show.