Our days in Chile



By the time we arrived in Chile we had a few days before our lab supplies could be loaded, unpacked, and we could move onto the ship, which gave us the ability to explore and really get a feel for city of Punta Arenas before the work actually began.
We happily drank coffee, walked around the entirety of the downtown portion of the city into little shops and markets, and stopped at historical landmarks and statues in honor of some of the great explorers and prominent Chilean figures in history.


The tradition at port is that by rubbing (or kissing) the toe of the Native man featured on the statue in honor of Magellan, in the park Tierra Del Fuego you are ensuring good sailing and a safe return to port.

By far the best part of these waiting days was finally getting to see the ship we'll be living on for seven weeks!

The RV Laurence M. Gould. 

An older research vessel filled with history of the epic journeys of Antarctic scientists throughout the years, including some of the members of my team. An absolute honor to sail on a vessel that’s lead to so many amazing studies, discoveries, and papers over the thirty odd years of its service. Within the next few days when we depart for Palmer Station, this ship will carry us and all of our gear just like it has for the thousands of Antarctic scientists that came before us. 

Happy sailing!

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