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Our 3rd day out at sea! We are officially “boat people.” On Wednesday we waved goodbye to the Port of Seattle and the “landies” with our STEMSEAS hats in hand. Before we left we went on a tour of the Sikuliaq followed by a reception held by the University of Alaska to thank everyone that helped make the Sikuliaq a reality. The Sikuliaq was on the drawing board for years and set out on its first voyage in 2015. It was a special opportunity to be able to see the people behind the scenes who advocated for this project to make sure of it’s fruition. I feel very lucky to be able to sail out on an NSF research vessel.
We are going through our initiation to sea life as seasickness is slowly taking us down one by one. I am taking motion sickness medicine, which is basically a sedative. So I am fighting both nausea and sleepiness but I will do what it takes to become a geoscience research sea warrior. Slowly but surely more of my scientist crewmates are slowly popping back up at the mess hall.
We have also been dining quite luxuriously on the vessel. Our on board chef is trained in French and Thai cuisine. We have had wonderful meals and delicious snacks, including access to ice cream 24/7. For lunch we had a platter of exotic Asian fruits to choose from and even had a fancy cheese platter the next day. I can’t say these are two back-to-back experiences I have ever had before.
We are learning geoscience on the boat everyday through activities and discussions; hopefully we’ll be able to do a gravity core!! Yesterday we started collecting bathymetry data with an approximately five-mile swath for the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC). There are a lot of data gaps and unknowns when trying to understand the ocean’s floor, so I am happy that we are able to use this transit from Seattle to Seward to collect data that will be used internationally!! Science provides so many opportunities for collaboration and for travel.
Last night I was outside enjoying being out on the deck and seeing the moon illuminate the water when I realized that I was surrounded completely by the Pacific Ocean. I could no longer see land from any side of the ship. I felt so humble to be reminded of how small I really am in this magnificent ocean that is part of such a beautiful planet. I am excited to learn more about this place we call home and the forces that govern its dynamic movement.
The crew also calls us the “Science Party” and refers to us as “the scientists” – something we all have been enjoying greatly.
Thank you, STEMSEAS!!
Smith Cove at Pier 91, where the ship was docked before the cruise
Hours after meeting our full group, the night before we set sail
Home for the next few days
by Abigail Edwards
