Rockin’ and Rollin’

Emily Barron, A Watch, Boston University

All is well aboard the SSV Robert C. Seamans! The past five days we've been learning how to navigate all aspects of life, from sleeping to working to cooking to hanging out while the ship constantly pitches and rolls beneath us. Learning how to balance, whether on the ship's deck or work and play, is paramount.

There is never a shortage of tasks to be completed on the ship: setting sails, steering, sleuthing around the engine room, keeping our eyes peeled for hazards while perched on the bow, deploying hydraulic winches, scrubbing the galley (kitchen), and many more. However, thanks to wonderful and kind shipmates, fun can always be found and you never feel alone. Singing songs (eg. Born a Worm), spotting constellations, drinking tea, and laughing over the small things (like a bird blocking the entrance to the science deck in the wee hours of the morning) can make the most grueling of watch shifts delightful. Thanks to our wonderful stewards being hangry is never an issue!

We even have a ship's Wordle, a creature comfort I am very grateful for 😀

Keeping perpetually-rotating 18-hour days (6 hours on watch and 12 hours off) means that we all get to observe and appreciate the beauty of our surroundings at all times of day. Seeing the stars light up the sky from horizon to horizon with no light pollution is breathtaking. My watch has been lucky enough to see a rainbow during sunrise and multiple gorgeous sunsets.

Here's to more adventures in the days to come!

To Mama: I love you and I hope all is well at home! To D: I love you, I miss you, I am wearing lots and lots of sunscreen, and I can't wait to give you a hug in just a little while! To Amy, Katie F, and any other family and friends, I miss you and I'm excited to tell you about my adventures when I get back!

- Emily Barron, A Watch, Boston University