by “The sea does not like to be restrained.”
Rick Riordan, Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief
More nights than not aboard the RV Endeavor, thunder would rumble in the distance as storm clouds of purple, black, and gray enveloped the night sky. As we cruised across the Atlantic along the Gulf Stream, storms were constantly brewing. One memorable storm in specific came out of nowhere, on what appeared to be a beautiful day with the promise of a gorgeous sunset. However, once we had all gathered to watch from the flying bridge, we were instead greeted by thunder and raging wind. A small, tropical storm had popped up out of nowhere, ensnaring the ship in rain and wind. Instead of running for cover, we (like true scientists) instead stood and marveled at the beauty of the storm we were in. Science and knowledge, as we learned throughout the cruise, does not always have to come from conducted tests or planned lessons. Watching a storm brew and move over us or across the ocean provides just as much of an educational moment.
As a marine biology major, I personally was never one to have much interest in the weather. Last night, however, changed my outlook completely. From our spot on the ship’s deck, we watched a massive thunderstorm pass over the Florida Keys. We could see rain pouring down ahead of orange stained clouds as the sun set, while lightning broke across the clouds, creating fragments of purple electricity that glowed so bright the whole sky was alive for just a second. Seeing a storm at sea was an experience like none other, and one we may never have the chance to experience again.
Along the entire cruise, I was rereading one of my favorite childhood books, Percy Jackson and the Lighting Theif, by Rick Riordan. An ironic choice, considering the classic story talks about a child of the sea god finding out his true identity. The book makes reference to how his personality reflects that of the sea, something powerful, mysterious and beautiful that does not like to be controlled. I can say after being aboard the RV Endeavor for the last week, the sea truly is one of the most fluid, beautiful forces to behold.
-Teagan Rudderow
