We have had lots of visitors this week, including one of the most amazing experiences that not many people can have, but I feel so honored to have witnessed...Orca orca, one of the most incredible predatory species, especially in Antarctica. Whilst, we were out water sampling, the panda like whales were out hunting. I radioed the dive boat to tell them that they were hunting in the bay, this resulted in the divers having to get out of the water as we cannot dive when Orca are around. We paused our water sampling to watch the Orca who were very close to our boat, the Orca were spy hopping the icesheets for seals; such an incredible sight !!
My second favorite was an american taildragger; a Basler BT - 67 !
We have been blessed with amazing weather the past week which was great as we had a vising American ship called the Gould.
The reason that they come to Rothera for a visit is actually for Sam and I, as the Marine Assistants we collect DOC (Dissolved Organic Carbon) samples for a scientist on board, in return we go on the ship for the day and travel out to Marguerite bay where we attach our two CTD's to their rosette for calibration to ensure that our data is consistent.
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As a small winter dive team we have lots of training that extends from diver medic, chamber tender but also operating the dive chamber. We use the dive chamber for if someone gets decompression illness from diving under pressure; we practiced some scenarios.
Happy divers!
The wildlife is incredible here, I have borrowed my parents long range lens which helped me capture this skewer in flight. The skewers are currently building their nests and laying eggs.
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| #iceberg#mountains#sungettinglower#clouds#antarctica p.s |
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| People know me too well...they've stopped counting now as apparently I snort too many times to count...! The last of our visitors in the past week is our 'distinguished guests' which include our director Jane Francis. |