by 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 to be a waterman which is someone who flows with the rhythm of the ocean in all ways and on all watercraft, be it surfing, paddle boarding, kite boarding, body surfing, fishing, sailing, swimming, free diving, or scuba diving. A waterman can never fully master these skills of the ocean and that is why I believe there is a unique beauty involved in constantly learning and being in new and uncomfortable situations.
By joining the STEMSEAS crew aboard the 261 foot R/V Sikuliaq, I will be learning equally as much about the ocean as I will about myself on this ten day journey from Kodiak, Alaska to Newport, Oregon.
Last we will see of land for another 10 days!
