Iām Finally Writing a Blog
April 23, 2023
Madison Bell, C Watch, Macalester College
Me and Katherine (2nd Scientist) acting as dancers for the Hydrocast deployment and Chloe (C Watch, Deckhand) at the ready in the background.
Ship's Log
Noon Position
2Ė17.2ā N x 145Ė56.0ā W (star fix)
Ship Heading
320°
Ship Speed
5 knots
Taffrail Log
1774 nautical miles
Weather / Wind / Sail Plan
Seas NE 4ft, Clouds 4/8ths Cu, As, Ac. Wind NExN Force 4. Sailing under the four lowers, jib topsāl, and fish
Description of location
Equatorial Pacific (N)
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 nightās sleep and woke up a little before 0700. Iāve 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. Todayās watch was afternoon watch and I was excited to be in science for the day. Along with processing this morningās 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 itās always fun to see what little guys weāve caught in the Neuston and meter nets. Itās always fun to watch the stars after dinner, and itās 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 CollegeSome stars with a bit of cloud cover
2 Comments
Leave A Comment
Fifteen men on a dead man’s chest
June 4, 2023 Jace Fuller, B Watch, Colorado College Ship's Log Noon Position Docked at Pier 35; Honolulu, HI Weather Partly cloudy Souls on Board All [...]
S-309 Boards the SSV Robert C. Seamans
June 3, 2023 Students enrolled in Sea Education Association's class S-309, Pacific Reef Expedition, board the SSV Robert C. Seamans in Honolulu on June 3rd and [...]
Tour of the Seamans!
June 1, 2023 Samantha Roberts, Fordham University Ship's Log Location Moku Ola, Hilo and Honolulu, Oahu Weather Humid and scattered rain throughout the day All blogs [...]
Future Scientists Take on Their First Day of Research!
May 31, 2023 Makenna Keyek, University of New Hampshire Ship's Log Location Oahu, Hawaii Weather Sunny and hot with scattered sun showers All blogs from S-309 [...]
Thank you for finally writing a blog! LOL We have been waiting!! Please write more. We love you so much and so happy you are enjoying your time.
So happy to see you Madison! Continue to pray for you all a safe trip. Love you!!šš