I’m Finally Writing a Blog

Madison Bell, C Watch, Macalester College

Today marks the 24th day of our trip (I think), and to be honest the days are truly blending together. I have gotten into a fairly steady routine.

Since I was the Student Steward yesterday, I was able to get a full night’s sleep and woke up a little before 0700. I’ve started getting slightly chilly at night, which is an interesting development. During breakfast, I and some of the other students realized some of the fishing vessels we were passing were part of a fleet mentioned in a book we were taking turns reading (Outlaw Ocean). The company that owns the fleet has a history of extreme crew mistreatment and vessel negligence, and it was startling to think about how life aboard those vessels may be while we are experiencing things completely different.

Today’s watch was afternoon watch and I was excited to be in science for the day. Along with processing this morning’s Neuston tow and Hydrocast, we also did DNA extractions for six Myctophids, which I was very excited for. Everything went smoothly until the centrifuge decided it no longer knew it had a rotor, but after turning it off and back on again with no luck, the problem was finally fixed after Katherine took it apart and put it back together exactly how it had been before.

As much as I love deck watch, and especially the sail handling, I think that science is where I really thrive. Even just doing the same things day after day always excite me, and it’s always fun to see what little guys we’ve caught in the Neuston and meter nets.

It’s always fun to watch the stars after dinner, and it’s become a bit of a game to try and see which constellations I can remember. The stars are incredible from all the way out here.

Hi everyone back home! I miss you!!

Madison Bell, C Watch, Macalester College