Update 2/3 - Vernadsky Station
Last night we visited the 13 man Vernadsky Ukrainian station. They gave us an interesting tour of the base. It is the place where the hole in the ozone layer was first discovered.
The last stop on the tour was the bar where we were acquainted with a couple of the bases unofficial projects, making strong vodka, and seeing to it that visitors drink plenty of it. Today we are talking softly and sitting out a snowfall. My laundry froze on the rail last night before it was able to dry. It’s now hung in my tiny cabin.
Xplore is secured in place by means of shore lines. When we arrive at a new location Stephen finds a secluded area protected from icebergs. We drop anchor and back into the desired location. The zodiac is quickly launched and attaches heavy lines from the boat to shore at the four corners. The lines are tied to steel cables that are wrapped around large rocks on shore. Sometimes an acceptable spot is hard to find and requires going far back on shore. The lines are winched tight on board Xplore to secure us in place.
Pictured is a Weddell seal we found today.
