The ocean area from 40 degrees south latitude to near the Antarctic circle has the strongest sustained westerly winds found anywhere on earth. The highest reported frequency of gales is reported between Longitude 20 degrees and 60 degrees East, north of the Ross and Weddell Seas and the approaches to the Drake Passage. Interaction between the frigid air coming off Antarctica and the relatively warm and moist air from the lower latitude ocean areas creates the cyclonic "Furious Fifties" storms. They make the region from 40 degrees to 60 degrees South one of the stormiest areas in the world. These are the waters we are sailing through and have had the great good fortune of fair weather. Hopefully, our luck and the weather will hold.
Just I saved this, the skies became overcast and little snow flurries began swirling around the ship. The waves are growing and I can hear new creaks throughout the ship. Just in the length of time required to compose this paragraph the snow has grown thick, visibility almost nil and the swells increasing. We may have an interesting night.
Fur seal on Elephant Island
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Location:Scotia Sea
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