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Today is fairly packed with things to do. As the Aussies say, “Brekkie” is first, then the daily COVID test. If everybody tests negative, I think we will be permitted to move around and socialize a bit more. The seas are fairly calm now with only the occasional shift. Tom is feeling a TON better. When breakfast arrived, he attacked it quickly. I told him that it was good to see him eat! He is worried about being dehydrated and carbohydrate depleted because he did not eat hardly anything yesterday.
As the mandatory COVID tests started, we were informed that one person was feeling symptoms last night and self-reported to the ship’s doctor. They were given an additional rapid test, which was positive, and then a PCR test, which confirmed the positive diagnosis. They are now in quarantine and will be unable to partake in any further activities for the rest of the trip. I feel so badly for them, but they DEFINITLEY did the right thing by self-reporting instead of jeopardizing the rest of the runners.
After the mandatory COVID tests, we had a meeting about the IAATO protocols of Antarctica. They include:
- Stay 15 feet away from wildlife
- No plastic on land
- Listen to the tour guides at all times. They receive orders from the captain.
- The proper way to get in and out of a zodiac
- You must clean all of your outerwear, especially pockets and velcro before your first Antarctica landing. No seeds or dirt should be transported to land (even between islands)
- Taking anything is forbidden, even rocks
Antarctica is the most pristine environment on earth, and it should be kept that way for all future generations.
Bellingshausen Station, King George Island, Antarctica
After the IAATO meeting, we had a race briefing. The Chinese have been uncooperative. They have not returned any calls or emails about whether we can run to the Great Wall Station, so going out there is out. The Eduardo Frei Montalva Chilean base responded, but they are busy with other things and did not want us to disturb their work. The Russians and Uruguayans were receptive as always and welcomed us (I wonder if we had to take any vodka 🙂 ). The course would be from the Russian Bellingshausen Station to the Uruguayan Artigas Base and back six times. Each loop was 4.36 miles (2.18 out and back) . There is a 6.5-hour time limit, however, if weather permits, the limit will be extended. Race times will be kept up to 7 hours. After that, you get an FNT as a result (Finish, No Time). If you get an FNT, you still get a medal, finisher certificate, and you still get credit towards your continent (whew).
Lunch was next on the agenda, and I really wanted to start to carb-load. I had spaghetti carbonara (spaghetti, bacon, cheese, and eggs), Yukon potato salad, a fruit plate, and a brownie. It was all delicious!
Artigas Base, King George Island, Antarctica
Later that afternoon, we all met for a biosecurity screening. According to IAATO, we must do everything we can to minimize foreign materials from being transported to Antarctica. Everybody took their outerwear and vacuumed every pocket, zipper line, and crevice.
We were lifted from quarantine this evening and were able to eat dinner in the Beagle Restaurant. Everybody was excited because it was our first opportunity to socialize. Due to COVID, the restaurant could only operate at 50% capacity, and we had to have two sittings. Mine was at 8 pm.
After dinner, I went to bed (which ended up being around 9:30). There was a race to be run tomorrow!