We are off-loading some scientists and their workers to do further research in Antarctica until April. Also some of the scientists who do studies down here frequently leave excess supplies here so they do not have to drag them back and forth between laboratories. Before we leave, a few researchers who have been down here awhile will come aboard and sail back to Punta Arenas, Chili with us. The ship is also helping Palmer Station refuel their stores of diesel fuel so they will have power and fuel for their heavy machinery. From the Gould's storage tank, a huge black hose runs up a hill to the bottom of the storage tank.
Every precaution is taken to ensure a safe transfer from the vessel to the tank.
Tomorrow will be time to pack up those things that are to stay at Palmer and load on the material from Palmer that needs to go home with the leaving crew. It will also be a time to explore around the Palmer Station site. Of course, if one goes outside of a small, well defined area, a sign-out list must be filled in and perhaps a safety review given. It is not like walking down to the local park. I've heard about an ice cave that one can access by zodiac.