Up and Down, Side to Side
January 17, 2005 | 22:00

Drake Passage

Dear Journal,

Last night we began to head north back to Ushuaia. Just as we were getting used to being in calm water for nearly a week, it was time once again to face the Drake Passage. This area of usually rough water has come to be known by three names: Drake Lake, Drake Passage, and Drake Break. Most of what we have experienced has been Drake Passage- rough water enough to make anyone sick, but not quite horrific. Everyone would much rather have experienced Drake Lake, when the water is relatively calm and you can barely notice you’re in the passage- much like the water we were in when we were south in Antarctica. We have, however, come face to face with several moments of Drake Break: the water is very rough with swells higher than we’ve ever experienced, and things begin to break. As we were eating dinner, for example, a thunderous crash came from the kitchen, indicating rough waters.

Everything seems to become much more interesting when the ship is at the mercy of the sea. Everyday tasks become challenging feats. Eating meals is not easy when glasses and silverware are flying off the tables, taking a shower is even more difficult with waves in addition to a slippery floor, and falling out of bed at night becomes a concern. If it weren’t for the Dramamine making everyone so drowsy, I don’t think anyone would be able to sleep, and even if we did fall out of bed, we might not notice because of its effects. This trip to Antarctica has been so amazing that it makes it all worth the amusement. As far as I’m concerned, bring it on Poseidon!

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