Last day off for a while

Today was probably the last free day for at least two or three weeks, as
we should be on station late tonight or early tomorrow. I spent most of
the morning up on the bridge, where the ship was following a lead (crack)
in the ice for quite a while because we can make better time there. It's
also cool because it is a great place to see marine life, because they
need an opening in the ice to come up for air. I saw a bunch of bowhead
whales and several walrus, but I wasn't keeping track of how many. About
the only thing left to see would be a polar bear, and we should see them
at some point during the cruise.

Tonight is also the tin can challenge, but the science team has decided
not to enter the competition. With all the young coast guard guys on
board, we wouldn't stand a chance. I'll take pictures for the record,
though.

I did spend some time in the gym the other day, but with the ship rocking
back and forth it was really hard to much of anything. But I did manage
to get part of a workout in.

Next time I write, I should be able to tell you what the sampling is like,
how cold it is up here, and if I will still be able to have children when
I get back. Cross your fingers for me.

Steve