October 12

I led a Zodiac science operation today (the first one of the cruise and my first solo Science Event of the cruise) - took the boat out about a mile to a second breeding pair of crabeater seals (another pregnant female and attending male have hauled out very near the icebreaker). No pups yet, but we should have a birth from one of the females within the next day or two. High pressure, light winds, and blue sky today (ambient temperature is -11.7C). Peter I Island is in complete view (about 50-60 miles away) - spectacular! bs