by By Rip Pacier, Fullerton College
Day 10 on the Atlantis started a lot earlier for some of us, at 12am, almost exactly, we participated in a deep CTD launch, groups were selected to launch and retrieve the CTD as well as retrieve it, coached by Mentor Shannon and SSSG (Shipboard Scientific Services Group) TR . It was around 2:25am at the time of recovery, Fae and I crewed the hooks necessary to guide the CTD back onto the ship, it was very exciting.
After that, we were able to get the last of the water samples we needed for our project. Everyone would be presenting their project posters later that day.
We also unracked the bag of decorated cups that had been compressed with the pressure of the deep CTD, everyone’s cup came out looking great.
Today was the first day since leaving San Diego that we’ve been able to see land outside, the water was choppy and full of life, it paired nicely with the snow painted islands, there were even birds and orca whales off the port side. Today’s waves were a harsh contrast from yesterday, the sea was still, almost glassy. Kind of eerie.
After working for most of the day, everyone got ready to set up their posters and present for the crew. It was really special to see everybody’s hard work come to fruition. There were so many cool projects. One of my favorites that I visited was Team Fluorosisters with Maddy and Trinity who did their work on Chlorophyll Fluorescence Index.
We’re all stirring with excitement to really be in Alaska, we can’t wait to set out tomorrow. The sun didn’t set until 11:30pm today. We really made it.
