Thursday, 29 October - Morning
Arrival at the port and ready to embark on the Marion Dufresne.
We boarded in function of our districts, showed our passports and were assigned our cabins.
I am sharing my cabin with another volunteer heading for Crozet. We get along well so I'm happy.
Our room is just above the hull, with a small hublot window for a little light, and comfortable bunk beds.
Once on board, we spent part of the day exploring, and getting lost, in the labyrinth of corridors and staircases. We discovered a music room, a cinema, a gym, the restaurant, conference rooms ... we certainly won't be at a loss for things to do!
Also, as the Marion Dufresne is an oceanographic research vessel, there are scientific installations on board.
During the afternoon we participated in security training sessions facilitated by the Captains.
Thusday, 29 October, 17H - Departure!
All on the bridge to watch Reunion island slowly recede in the distance as we leave the coast. We are happy! Months and months of prepartion for this, and now we are here; a magical moment!
The helicopter joined us a few moments later. It's quite impressive to watch it land on board the ship. The helicopter is essential, as it is the only way to debark on the subantarctique islands.
We watched the sunset and I made the most of taking in the landscape, the trees and the mountains in the distance. It will be 14 months until I see them again.
It's finally sinking in - It's happening!
18h - First Restaurant Service
All the IPEV VSC and the TAAF are called to dinner at 6pm. The restaurant is lovely and the meals delicious! 5 stars I'd say!
A little while after dinner the sea became rough, and after several hours many of us had to lie down. Fortunately, I was ok and was able to be outside to get some fresh air and watch the ocean in the moonlight before going to bed, and being rocked to sleep.
Saturday, 31 October
The sea is calm! Yay!
I feel great and spent the day being either on the bridge, or at the stern with the others.
We had training sessions about the helicopter in the morning, and in the afternoon I had a conference on microplastics. Later, we will be elaborating the logistics plan for our arrival on Amsterdam island.
I also connected to my email account to share this news!
It's a beautiful day and I will make the most of it as the Capitain has announced bad weather for the next few days,
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