20 hours of daylight

Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2011
Spent the day traversihg the Scotia Sea and finally crossed into the
Antarctic Zone.  The temperature drop was significant when we entered the
current bringing cold water up from Antarctica.  We saw many fur seals,
penguins, albatrosses, petrals, etc. this evening as we head toward a
morning landing on South Georgia Island.  Being two of the few Americans on
the trip has been interesting.  We are surrounded by Aussies, Kiwis,
Canadiens, Chinese, Koreans, and who knows how many more.  It has been
interesting getting their take on America.  It is surprising how little they
know about the things we take for granted as part of our culture, especially
considering how well traveled most of them are.  Yet, it's amazing that we
all share so many of the same problems/issues.  The seas have been
surprisingly calm for the Great Southern Ocean, but we have had a solid two
days of fog that has limited our visibility.  Also, the ship is very stable.
 The Russian crew maintains a clean ship.  The food, though lacking somewhat
in taste, is plentiful.  We have an early wake-up so we can enjoy the
passage into South Georgia and the view of significant wildlife populations.
 We still continue to have about 20 hours of daylight, but that will change
to 24 hours of daylight when we leave South Georgia for the Antarctic
Peninsula.  We also have a pool on when we will see our first iceberg.
Should be exciting.  More later!