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We’ve cracked the code: the life hack to longer days is getting up early. While some of us did get to sleep in today, on our third (…or is it fourth?) day, we have gained the habit of heading to bed at around 8 pm and waking up around 5:30-6am. Because of this we got to see both the sun rise and set, along with having more hours to spend during the day. While the hours of the day seem to go by slowly now, the days feel like they are flying by.
So far we got to see a sunfish, also known as mola mola, passing by on the surface of the water. Unfortunately, it had a few abrasions from a larger carnivorous predator. But I was in awe at the sheer size of this fish (~ 8 feet) and how we commonly shared that we were at the mercy of the sea. So despite feeling queasy from the turbulence of boat life, we were able to seek comfort in looking out into the horizon while taking in the fresh air of the Atlantic’s Chesapeake Bay from the back deck of RV Hugh Sharp. So much so that we found ourselves lying down and looking like we were sunbathing. But on a lighter note, we were finally able to tow a couple of bongo nets we have been pestering the crew to take out. At 200 microns we were able to scoop different species of comb jellies. Including one that looked like clear boba, but more formally known as sea gooseberries (pleurobrachia pileus). While peering through our portable resources, a 1000x digital microscope and dissecting scope, we looked at the marine organisms trapped in the boats filter as well as some samples from the coring we have been doing. There were a lot of adolescent krill and translucent organisms that we were trying to identify, surrounded by what looked like blood worms.
I am so grateful for this opportunity STEMSEAS has given us to be in what I can only describe as the closest thing to the ocean’s floating classroom. But also for connecting me to some of the most funniest, welcoming, and dynamically, the coolest group of people I have ever met. From our early Christmas caroling to late night (~7 pm) stargazing to even taking over the marine techs jobs, this trip has been filled with so many fun spontaneous events. Spending time with them has made any bump in the road all worth the while and I am delighted to say that the future is bright with these kinds of people in its hands. As much as I cannot wait to see what the rest of the days have in store for us, I also am not ready to say goodbye.
(Photograph by Francisco Benavides)
