Programs Blog

Author: Megan Krussman, A Watch, Colorado College

Ship’s Log

Thursday, 4 April, 2024

Noon Position (Lat and Long): 42°48.9’S x 171°48.0’W
Ship Heading (degrees): 065°
Ship Speed (knots): 3kn
Taffrail Log (nm): 759.6 nm
Weather / Wind / Sail Plan (from 1300 Watch Change): Seas North direction with 3 foot waves, NxW wind with a Beaufort Force of 4, Beam reaching on a port tack under four lowers with a shallow reefed mains’l.
Description of location: Southern South Pacific Subtropical Gyre

The First Mate Rocky shared a poem by Mary Oliver called Don’t Hesitate. The
poem begins “If you suddenly and unexpectedly feel joy, don’t hesitate. Give
into it.” While adjusting to life on the ship has been hard, over the past
week there have been so many little moments of joy.

The first one that comes to mind, as those who know me will not be surprised
about, was seeing Hectors Dolphins. These dolphins are one of the smallest
and rarest marine dolphins in the world and are exclusively found around the
Banks Peninsula, South Island, New Zealand. Nearly one third of their
population, estimated at around 760 individuals, drowned in nets between
1984 and 1988. The area is now a marine sanctuary to protect Hectors
Dolphins. As was previously mentioned, seeing pilot whales was also a really
high moment for me. On the 29th I had a moment of joy going aloft with Sam.
The adrenaline of climbing up and then the unexpected joy of spotting two
seals swimming together just beneath the surface were some amazing moments.

Aside from marine mammals I’ve had moments of joy looking at bioluminescence
in neuston tows at night, having biscuits with eggs and avocado for
breakfast after dawn watch, seeing the Gemini constellation for the first
time, and seeing Mya’s face when I wake her up. This morning on dawn watch I
found joy in talking about our favorite meals while we waited for our
samples to incubate. I was also so happy as I drank some tea and looked at
the stars. The watch ended with a spectacular sunrise that we in lab were
able to enjoy as we waited for samples to spin. As always I have been
finding so much joy in connected with my shipmates in the little moments we
can find to check in or have a quick hug.

Next time you hear from us we will have officially left New Zealand’s
Exclusive Economic Zone and be in the High Seas!

Lots of love to friends and family (Give Julez a kiss for me!)

Megan Krussman, A Watch, Colorado College

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