The wind had come up from a direction that was perpendicular to the way the yachts were lying, putting an immense strain on the hawsers tied to shore. Ried and I decided that the hawser that secured the Anne to the weather shore was in urgent need of reinforcement. With exposure suits on and in the Boston Whaler we just about had a reinforcing line to shore when the 1.5 inch hemp line parted. Both of us felt a slap on the chest as the line whipped against us parting, being spared from injury by our insulating suits. Our faces being wet indicated being dipped into the frigid waters, with it happening in a flash it almost seemed dreamlike. Quick response from those assisting on shore saved the Anne from a potentially dangerous and embarrassing situation. Then as quickly as the snow flurry arrived it departed leaving partly clear skies and calm winds.
 Palmer station is not without those with a sense of humor. Most of the male support personnel sported Mohawk style haircuts. The hair style made popular by the many Adelie penguins' chicks with their last tuft of downy feathers. This remaining tuft of downy feathers on top of their heads made these chicks look like punk penguins. The Adelie chicks not knowing any better tended to wander into the base where they got into everyone's way.
 Mechanics of the base wishing to add a few creature comforts converted one of the unused aquariums into a very much appreciated hot tub. We did not let the hot tub go to waste and even provided a naked woman for the enjoyment of long term base personal.
 Not wishing to outdo our welcome at Palmer Station we decided to move the Anne to the anchorage in front of Old Palmer Station. The anchorage being somewhat protected from the winds, but being deep the danger from drifting icebergs exist.
 Old Palmer station is being reconditioned by the personal at Palmer Station. If disaster strikes at Palmer Station during the winter months Old Palmer Station will provide shelter till spring when a rescue could take place. Next to the old station on an island is a Adelie penguin rookery and an Elephant Seal hang-out. Heavy rains on the day we visited the rookery made the area look and smell unbearable. You never see scenes like this on national Geographic. All of the penguins being covered in regurgitated krill that was up to one-half foot deep in places and Elephant Seals lying in the krill and their own excrement.
 Not liking to stay very long in one place we decided to begin our long journey north to the South Shetland Islands and on to the Falklands.

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