by Sailing aboard the R/V Endeavor has truly been an incredible experience. The fifth day being on the research vessel, we were preparing the launch of the TMS Sea Challenger by adding our own drawings on the sail of the miniboat. Representing the Thompson Middle School 7th graders, who weren’t able to see their work be released in the Gulf Stream, was bittersweet. We were all thinking about how excited the students were and their series of questions about what the weather was like when the miniboat was set down in the waters, its color, and energy of the currents. We were able to record the event with the camera provided by the school as the crew set it down into the waters, releasing the ropes and seeing it drift away into the distance, anticipating that it would land in great hands.
Soon afterwards, we went up towards the flying deck to watch the SpaceX rocket launch. With a macadamia cookie in hand (thank you, Rick!). We waited and looked out towards the horizon until we saw a bright spark of light. The rocket soared up into the air and we watched as it disappeared behind the clouds. What took everyone by surprise was the delay in the sound as the rocket passed above us. Being out at sea and seeing a rocket launch on the Atlantic was something I never thought I would be able to see. As the night set in, we went up towards the flying deck again, as it was a perfect night to stargaze. I’ve never seen so many stars until that night. It was one of the many memories that I will continue to think about for years to come.
The following day, while we were playing a card game in the main lab, the phone rang and Bea informed us that there were dolphin sightings outside on the deck. We quickly set our cards down and got ready to see the dolphins. There were three gray spotted dolphins that were playing underneath the boat, jumping in and out of the water. We were all excited and cheering until they decided to depart to continue their journey into the Atlantic. I am grateful to have experienced so many sights out at sea and I will be looking forward to my next endeavor!
