Onward

The blustery weather at Elephant Island was a harbinger of what was next to come.  At the evening announcement, the Captain advised us that there were two (2) very strong storms coming, one of which would encompass Port Stanley, Falkland Islands and the port authorities there had determined they would close the port – not just to us, but to all traffic – between noon Sunday and sometime late Monday.  This was due in part to the forecast for 75 mph winds and 15 ft. waves.  As a consequence of this, our schedule was changing and we would not be going to the Falkland’s after all.  This was somewhat disappointing, as there are a number of penguin rookeries that are supposed to be a sight to behold.
 
So now we are redirected to head to the next scheduled stop, Puerto Madryn, Argentina, by going BETWEEN the two storm systems, and it was somewhat obvious that the Captain was wasting no time heading that direction where we are scheduled to arrive on Wednesday, February 8.
 
Saturday night, when we were again crossing Drake’s Passage, was rough enough that it woke us up at various times, and there is an obvious decrease in foot traffic around the ship today.  It’s a bit wobbly and in the food service areas there is no more self-serve; instead you point and the crew will get whatever you would like.  It’s not clear whether this is a concern over spilling things or whether it has anything to do with the announcement and flyer we got re: the importance of hand washing to avoid Norovirus while on board.
 
In either case, we’ve stepped up hand washing.