At sea - Monday, December 15, 2008
At sea - Monday, December 15, 2008
By Blog.Admin
Around 4 AM this morning, the icebreaker began to roll. We knew we had entered open water. However, for this portion of the subantarctic seas, conditions were fairly mild. It was a good chance to get our sea legs, and become used to the rather peculiar movements of Kapitan Khlebnikov.
We were awakened again, at 7:30 AM, by Jonas, announcing breakfast and informing of us current weather conditions. Outside was inclement, so most of us went to the Bridge or the lounge, and watched the sea swell from the comfort and warmth of the ship's interior. We had windy conditions with seawater breaking over the bow.
The Educational Programming began, with an introduction to the birds and vegetation of the New Zealand subantarctic islands. This was followed later in the morning with a presentation about seals. Even for repeat guests, there is always something new to learn from the Expedition Team, during their presentations.
After lunch, a documentary about the Wandering Albatross kept us enthralled. After tea time, we returned to the auditorium to listen to Peter, the representative from the New Zealand Department of Conservation. He presented a video and excellent talk about the Department's efforts to ride Campbell Island of rats. Eradicating the introduced species has meant a regrowth of native flora and fauna. Birds such as the Campbell Island Snipe and the flightless Teal are re-establishing themselves in their natural habitat. The rat eradication was a logistical challenge that cost $2,000,000,000 (NZ). It was money well spent, as the rats are gone.
There is no doubt that the Kiwis are exterminators extraordinaire! Maybe Australia should import them to deal with the rabbits on Macquarie Island?
Editors note: Erica is a Kiwi!