Programs Blog

Kris Paulson, C Watch crew member, University of Michigan-Flint

Ship’s Log

Current Position
16°05.3’ S, 148°20.2’ W (about 14 nm south of Makatoa and about 80 nm SW of Rangiroa)

Ship’s Heading and Speed
035° PSC (Per Ship’s Compass) @ 6 kts (almost 7 mph)  Continue on course 035° PSC for about 50 nm then turn to port (left) to 325° PSC for about 30 nm where we will pass between Tikehau and Rangiroa. We will skirt the shoreline at 3 nm, keeping Rangiroa on our starboard (right) side, until we begin our approach into the channel no later than 1411 hrs. The channel is 1 nm wide and has 8 kt current. We will have to enter the channel within ± 5 minutes to avoid being spun into a shoal. I have full confidence in the Captain and our crew.

Weather
Scattered Cumulonimbus Clouds @ 500 ft AGL (Above Ground Level); Winds are about 7 kts out of the NE; Seas are ExN @ 2-4 ft; 84° and Sunshine

Souls on Board

Today I was assistant steward (chef’s assistant). I say chef and not cook, because every meal is better than excellent. We eat 3 full meals that always include fresh greens and vegetables, and fruits. In addition to those meals, we have 3 snacks. The snacks are everything from fresh watermelon and pamplemousse (imagine sweet grapefruit), to fresh carrots, celery, and hummus to freshly baked oatmeal raisin cookies and snicker doodles (as shown in the picture). We certainly are not going hungry on this voyage. The steward even takes requests and improved on one of my mother’s recipes.

Sabrina the Head Steward of the Robert C. Seamans (R.C.S.) and me holding a fresh snicker doodle and oatmeal raisin cookie in the salon (sining room) before dinner.

The R.C.S. is a fine ship and her Capt. and lead scientist are exceptional! The professional crews are all extremely knowledgeable and capable. They all work seamlessly together and do not miss even the smallest detail. All of the professional crew is perfectly tempered for teaching during high stress situations. They are all patient, friendly and make us feel like family.

We are learning as fast as possible and will soon be sailing without training wheels. The scientists continue to teach everyone more methods for collecting data. We are all eager to maintain SEA Semester’s reputation of research excellence. I have been all over the world for various reasons. What I have seen in the first 5 days of this voyage has already surpassed a lifetime of adventure. I am honored to be a member of this crew and will remember this voyage forever.

Sincerely,

Kris Paulson, C Watch crew member, University of Michigan-Flint