Gorgeous blue sky, clear and refreshingly cold. Through the pack ice into open water, we spot the ship, Laura Bassi, used in the Italian Research Program at the Italian station, Zuccarello. Some killer whales greet us as we move through the bay.
We have two items for discovery today. A zodiac cruise in the bay and then a visit to the Italian Research Station on land in the afternoon. The granite rocks are amazing and softened by the decades of weather. The station sits on an outcropping between the boulders with a gorgeous view of the bay. Our water trip explores the area seeing penguins and seals along with breath taking scenery.
Our trip leader, Stefano, an Italian, personally spent the last couple of days arranging our visit to the Italian station. This station has limited visitors per year and we are fortunate to bring such a large group to the base. Many thanks for his efforts.
We zodiac over to the research station for a look around and a tour of the main quarters. Most of the researchers left in the last few days as the Italians are readying the closure for the season on Feb 5. (They open it in Oct/Nov by landing on the ice in the bay). Their departure must be by helicopter (2 at the station) to McMurdo and then on to global points home, etc.
The station desalinates, heats by solar and oil, and accommodates `120 people at its peak, 45 this year. It services other stations by acting as air traffic controller for the region. A presentation by one of the researchers provided a look into the ice coring project that has been a major element of Antarctica research for a number of years. It is a complicated operation and an expensive program to maintain.
Our host provide a look at its air tower, the lab rooms and its galley with a special surprise of pizza, express and cannollis.
Rizbee On The Road 