I am determined to make sense of all the terminology, jargon, and namesakes for everything on and about this ship by the end of this expedition. Starting with the name Sikulaiq, which means, “Young Sea Ice” in Native Alaskan. The ship was built with the purpose of breaking up and traversing through that young sea […]
That’s a wrap, folks!
Over the week at sea we were able to see the constant coordination and teamwork that go into running a research vessel and science expedition. Without a doubt those who live on the ship have created a culture that is lively, comfortable, and open which was very clear to us from day one. They work […]
Laundry Day on the T.G.T
A day on board the Thomas G. Thompson means being fluid and flexible with all your plans…including laundry day. Laundry days are assigned based on your state room number. Sunday is assigned to our room (#32) along with 4 other rooms. We have been looking forward to laundry day since a bout of seasickness hit […]
A Sea of Remembrance
So far on the STEMSEAS trip, I’ve cried a handful of times, but not necessarily sad tears. Growing up, I was always very close with my dad, who wasn’t biologically my father, but he had always been a father figure to me. He had a boat that we would go on all the time, whether […]
Depth, Temperature & XBTs! OH MY!
Saturday (November thirteenth) the marine technicians demonstrated a device for us, that scientists use to collect data called eXpendable Bathy Thermograph (XBT). XBTs are designed to fall at a known rate, and therefore used to measure the water temperature based on depth and create a temperature profile. Its often used to verify that the depths […]
A tale of two hot sauces
As I was packing my bag to go on my STEMSEAS voyage, the first (okay, maybe like eighth and ninth) things I grabbed were two bottles of hot sauce. Looking forward to six days at sea, my excitement was peppered with realism—how good can the food be on a research ship? I figured I could […]
$leeping on the R/V Thomas G. Thompson!
As the second day comes to an end, I’ve come to the conclusion that sleeping quarters on the ship are extremely small, but SUPER comfortable! When we arrived, all the beds were equipped with a mattress cover, fresh linen, and a comforter. The features of each bunk include a tiny shelf that can be used […]
we caught a moon jelly!
november 11th, 2021 by far unintentionally catching a moon jelly was highlight of my trip. it all happened when everyone was out on the deck to catch micro plastic samples with a net. the project was to catch micro plastics with a net and jar attached to it. after they threw it off board everyone […]
damn I love the food
I’ve never eaten better, than living on the RV Thompson. Every kind of food imaginable is made by the mess staff. Which is only one person for breakfast and two for lunch and dinner. Coming from a restaurant that needs 6 people to feed a private dinner party, the ratio of people to quality is […]
New Beginnings Aboard the R/V Sikuliaq
by Charles Hendrickson Today I am leaving the comforts of land and entering into a hostile, enormous, and ever changing environment. This environment is the Pacific Ocean and while I am not a seasoned sailor, it is no stranger to me. The ocean has been my biggest passion in life, as I have always wanted […]
