Hi Steemians! As some of you who have already seen some of my posts, you might have worked out that I recently returned from a working contract in Antarctica. I was lucky enough to work in an incredible team of passionate travellers whom become close friends rather than just remaining colleagues. This post I decided to inform you what a typical day working in Antarctica is like. Basically, you don't get much sleep - usually anywhere from 4-6 hours a night.
a typical view of the surrounding landscape that is the Western Antarctic Peninsula
Our day begins early - mine in particular was around 530-545am, where I would make way to the bridge and begin scouting the area with binoculars - scanning for wildlife and checking weather conditions. If I discover anything of amazing interest, such as a pod of Fin whales only 3 nautical miles away. Then I inform the Expedition leader, whom decides to capitalize on the situation or continue on the daily scheduled plan.
A pod of about 6 Fin Whales in the Bransfield Strait
Then its GO time! We get dressed in our warm, zodiac gear, which comprises of wearing thermals, thick down jackets, insulated pants, thick socks, gloves, hats, glasses & waterproof outer layers. ALSO, sunscreen - lots of sunscreen! Then we are dropped into small zodiacs and prepare to transport guests to a landing site, which they can explore for a short period and also take them on zodiac cruises around the immediate area in search of more wildlife and beautiful views.
a humpback whale I found and got to interact with on one of those such small zodiac cruises
Then everyone is back on board, the guests have lunch and talk about what they experienced during the morning excursion. Personally, I grab something really quick and head back to the bridge to scan the area again. Whilst lunch is on the vessel will pull anchor and transit to another location for the afternoon excursion. Hence, while we transit I am back scouting for more potential wildlife encounters.
The afternoon excursion is somewhat a bit of a repeat of the morning excursion but different location, different historical and geological features and of course different animals too.
a minke whale curiously checking out my zodiac one afternoon
Then back on board after another adventure filled afternoon excursion. At this time myself and the other scientists provide everyone with a brief presentation that cover some of the things we saw today. We typically have about 5-7 minutes each to talk about something relevant that occurred during the days excursions.
a cute Crabeater seal taking a nap on an ice floe
Then dinner time & drinks, which is always fun to sit with guests and learn about their journey. The ship pulls anchor and transits sometimes long distances to reach our morning destination for another day of excursions. Throughout that time I am usually up in the bridge searching once again for animal encounters. Sometimes it definitely pays off with Orca encounters from time to time. Amazing for me, as I am usually the only person who is up still and I get this moment with these magnificent animals all to myself.
A pod of Orca I spotted at almost midnight one evening in the Gerlache Strait
Then its attempting to go to sleep sometime not much later than midnight to get a few hours sleep before my 530-545am alarm goes off to begin another day of adventure!! The adventure was incredible and exhausting on so many levels. The most exciting news, however, was that I am actually heading back down in a few weeks to work another contract until the end of the summer season down there.
SO get ready, Steemians for more images and grand adventures that I will be having down Antarctica!!!
For more pictures and stories check out my Instagram feed: https://www.instagram.com/thomas_mitchell2912/