Still En Route

We have just crossed through the Umiak pass and have left the Gulf of
Alaska and entered the Bering Sea. We are still about 24 hours away from
the polar sea ice, though. It will probably be another day or so after we
enter the ice before we can begin our real work. Most of us are just
looking forward to being able to sleep at night without having to hold
onto the bed to keep from falling out. It will be a nice change.

The food on board is pretty good, and way too much of it. Mealtimes are
one of the few things to look forward to so far, the rest of our time is
just hanging out or watching movies. It is bingo night tonight, though,
so I suppose that will be exciting. We'll see. I have spent many hours
on the bridge, just watching the spray freeze on the deck and the
fittings. About 12 crewmen spent two hours out there chipping the ice off
with sledgehammers and shoveling the chunks over the side. I was told the
additional weight of the ice affects the way the ship handles.

Haven't seen any cool wildlife, yet, except for one albatross. Supposedly
when we get to the sea ice we will see more because the seals and walruses
sleep on the floating ice.

The only other excitement today was getting the safety briefing for
helicopter use. (Cross your fingers for me)

Not really all that exciting yet, but I'm sure it will happen eventually.

Later, Steve