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Letter from Anchor & Stippoli
Hello Everyone!
It's me, Stippoli on HMS ENDURANCE and Anchor is right beside me, helping me to write this letter.
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What an exciting time we’ve had recently in Antarctica seeing lots of penguins, whales and seals. We’ve also seen lots of icebergs and amazing sunsets but we’ve enjoyed seeing the penguins the most. Today the weather has not been very good so we haven't been outside very much; so to pass the time, Anchor and I have been making up penguin jokes. Here are some of our better ones:
What’s black and white and goes round and around?
A penguin in a revolving door.
How do penguins like to drink their cola?
On the rocks.
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But to keep us out of mischief today; Peter Morewood took us on a surprise tour of the Engine room!
When we first arrived in the Engine room, we had to check all the machinery and the engines to make sure everything was running properly as we don't want HMS ENDURANCE to break down in the Antarctic do we?
`Stippy’ on the fresh water generator
Anchor and I first checked the fresh water generator, this machine makes fresh water from sea water, and while we used to think it was done by magic, we now know it’s done by some very clever machinery.
`Stippy’ checking the air compressor
We then checked the air compressors that are used to start the big engines and the fuel oil seps (which stands for separator) that cleans the fuel and oil to it and this helps the engines to run better. They were really hot as they’re heated by steam.
Next we were given the key to a main engine and this was enormous. Anchor and I jumped when the engine started, as we couldn't believe the loud noise it made! Our job was to check that the cylinders were not leaking any oil! Looking at a gauge it read almost 400 degrees C! Wow, that's really hot!
Next job was to check the gearbox and this has lots of clocks that tell the engineers if the oil pressure is right.
`Stippy’ in the Boiler room
We then went in the Boiler room which was very hot and steamy. We had to be very sensible in here because we read a safety sign telling us to be careful otherwise we might get an electric shock from the machinery if we were silly with it. Neither, Anchor nor I were silly though and I’m sure all of you reading this are sensible with electricity as it can be very dangerous.
`Stippy’ on the lathe in the workshop
Just in case we had to mend anything, I checked that the workshop had all tools that we might need - they did and they were also in good order. I got told off in the workshop as I sat on a bench and that's not allowed! I like the workshop – I think it’s my favourite place - because it’s clean and quiet.
Just in case the lights on the ship went out, Anchor and I checked to make sure the electricity generators were ready to start. We liked these as they were much smaller than the big engines. You have to be very careful in an engine room because the machines and engines can start at any time; so you have to be ready for action!
`Stippy’ adjusting the throttle
`Stippy’ at the main engine screen
We then went in the Engine Control room where all the machinery is worked from. Anchor and I had a go on the throttle to make ENDURANCE go faster. I then had to look at the screens and made sure the engines were ok. So many numbers and pumps to check. How do the engineers all know when everything is alright? The engineers must be very clever!
When all the engine checks were finished, Anchor and I then went to the A Deck Gallery where all the pictures had been displayed from our affiliate schools. Today, I added some new pictures from St Ippolyts School. There were so many that I didn't know where to start! I think I did a good job, what do you think?
A Deck Gallery
It is now time for our dinner. I have only 1 fish left now because we have been away from home for so very long.
We hope all is well with our affiliate schools because Anchor and I are being very well looked after on the ship. The winter is coming in Antarctica now, which means it’s getting a lot colder for everyone working on the ship. But as furry animals, we have our fur to keep us warm. Peter just went past us and he looks freezing!
We have to go and clean our room ready for inspection later. Goodbye for now and we will be in touch again soon!!
Yours Aye,
Anchor and Stippy
Endurance Adventure Bears
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