Geocaching, waterproofing, cameras, and seasickness

Geocaching:

Base A: Port Lockroy Geocache: there is a traditional geocache in the Port Lockroy post office but we will not be going ashore there. Weather-dependant, a team from the Port Lockroy station will be coming on board the Roald Amundsen to talk to the passengers about their work at the station and about the natural history of the area. They will also bring items from their gift shop. Our ship carries more people than are allowed ashore here; only passengers from smaller expedition ships are permitted ashore here.

Landsharkz have been in contact with the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust who runs the post office, to coordinate with them to bring the geocache to the ship when they come aboard. Of course, we can’t guarantee that they will be able to do this, but we are cautiously optimistic that we will be signing the logbook. Please do not also contact the staff of the ship, or the shore station about this topic – rest assured, we are doing everything we can to make this come together.

As an aside, the cache owner has asked me to leave a new logbook in the cache and bring the existing log sheets back to Canada to return to them by mail.

Random Information:

I (Helen) have been following the Facebook group to garner tidbits of wisdom about what to expect so that we can pack what we need and leave what we don’t need at home. Please also do your own research as I definitely am not the end-all-and-be-all of information about preparing for this expedition!

Waterproofness:

We need to be waterproof from head to toe. The Zodiac trips to shore can be very wet at times. Some are dry trips, but some are soaking experiences. If you don’t have waterproof pants, they sell them in the gift shop aboard for 50 Euros. They provide a waterproof hooded jacket and boots. You need to deal with your legs.

Cameras and phones and anything you want to get to and from the ship DRY need to be in a waterproof container or bag of some sort. Your pocket may not be enough with water spraying and running down your coat. Pack your camera and/or phone so it can withstand a salt-water shower and you’ll be good to go! I read that 12 cameras were destroyed in one Zodiac crossing. I am going to put my iPhone in a dry bag, that’s inside another drybag! The recommendation is to have a camera dry bag that can be worn around your neck and stuffed inside your jacket.

Cameras

Most modern phones have amazing cameras. If however, you are considering bringing a larger camera, with interchangeable lenses, you might want to consider the following:

1. If you have a good phone camera, then you’ll be able to take good photos. Is your phone waterproof? You might want to keep it in a dry bag. Does your phone have the zoom capability you might want? 

2. Are you a good enough photographer that there is a real potential that you might have good enough photos to enlarge to wall-presentation size? If yes, you might want to consider a DSLR or equivalent. If not, forget the big camera and just use your phone unless there is a capability you’ll be missing. 

3. Regardless of your camera – phone, DSLR, or mirrorless – are you proficient with its use? Practice so that your camera gear is easy for you to use – then you’ll enjoy the shore experiences more, and not be messing around with your camera while you could be taking in the scenery. Don’t buy new gear right before the trip, or if you do – practice lots! 

4. Finally, we’ve heard that you can’t put things down on the ice, so do you have a good enough means to carry the camera with your waterproof gear on? Can you change a lens without putting things down?

In conclusion, bring the camera gear you like to use and are good at using. modern phone cameras are amazing, and if you plan to share your photos with friends, and post them online, then a good phone camera is all you will really need.

Clothing notes…

Having a scarf, turtleneck, tubular neck wrap, or a combination of these will keep you cozier on the zodiac trips and science boat trips. 

The time ashore seems to be not a lot more than an hour so there’s not enough time to get freezing cold.

Someone mentioned that the inside decks on the Roald Amundsen can be very warm, a t-shirt will likely come in handy.

Be prepared to bundle up and run out onto the outer decks at a moment’s notice when they announce wildlife sightings.

Boots: The boots we’re going to be issued are part neoprene and insulated. They look like Muck Boots or Bogs (if anyone knows those). They are great on the ice, snow, and cold. The recommendation is to wear your liner socks and thick socks when you get fitted for boots on the first day.

Seasickness:

If you’re worried about the possibility of seasickness in the open ocean areas (like the Drake Passage), try out Sea bands, patches, or anti-nausea meds at home, before you go, because sometimes the side effects are worse than being seasick. Find out what works and then bring that. They also have sea sickness pills on board.  One thing to keep in mind is that the person in command of the bridge/driving a boat, in rough water, is seldom sick.  Yes, they’re used to it, but it helps to focus on the task. If it’s rough, try heading to a viewing area and watching the horizon (pretend you’re driving the boat or are a lookout on the bridge). Look for petrels, albatrosses, whales, dolphins, seals, and penguins, and try to trick your brain into thinking of something else. Alternatively going to your cabin and lying down with your eyes closed may work too. Reading or watching TV may or may not help the situation!

Books: There is a very stocked library aboard.

Electrical outlets:

The ship uses European 2-prong electrical plugs providing 220V. Most chargers and computers are okay with this, but check any electrical equipment prior to plugging it in. Supposedly there are also USB outlets in the cabins.