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Today’s a mostly chill day, we’ll be arriving in Seward in the afternoon and we have to start cleaning up. It’s been a long trip and we’ve learned a lot and made many memories.
As always, we gathered in the lab for our morning session. We were awarded STEMSEAS certificates for completing the voyage! Not only us as students but Warner received one for his first voyage as a mentor!
After that we had to the clean up the lab and our staterooms to prepare them for the next science party. We had lunch which was an amazing noodle soup with shu mai and dumplings and I have to say, I love the cooks on board for making such delicious meals every single meal. I always looked forward to seeing what they cooked up.
With everything clean, there was time to relax as the Sally Ride got closer to Resurrection Bay where Seward is located. I went around to say some goodbyes to the crew and then hung out with our STEMSEAS team.
When we started approaching Alaska, we got to see the beautiful ice capped mountains from the bow of the ship. We spotted a trio of porpoises that followed the ship for a bit and even a whale as we docked.
After what felt like a short time, we were docked in Seward and off the ship. Then we had our final meal together for the trip at a local restaurant.
I also wanted to include some of my own reflection because this expedition has been a truly amazing and unique experience. I got to learn so much about the ocean, marine science, oceanography, life on a ship, all the instruments that go into collecting data, and so much more. I made a boat load of memories and made friendships that’ll cherish forever.
I’m so grateful for the mentors for teaching us so much and caring for us when the seas got rough. As well as the crew for being really inviting and helpful to us.
I think it’s crazy to think that I was at sea for nine whole days and though it was a bit cramped, it definitely felt like a home. By the end, it felt so natural to walk around the ship and not even notice the moving of the boat.
We’re now back on land though sometimes I feel myself swaying slightly as if I’m still on the ship. As a reminder: it’s not goodbye, it’s STEMSEAS you later!
