May 27th, 2010

Hey folks

Today was just another beautiful day in paradise. We have been lucky enough to be able to smoothly collect data throughout the day as we come close to ending our twelfth pass through the region.

View from the boat

This data is being processed and will be used to decide the sites that we're going to dredge over the next couple of weeks. While the senior members of the science team will be picking most of these sites, undergrads and other members of the team will begin presenting their dredge proposals tomorrow. We are all waiting with bated breath to hear where Mike's "Bonesaw Dredge" will be.

Cait and Karen discussing Cait's dredge proposal

Will planning his dredge

After today's science meeting, Dan took us out to the quarter deck to show us exactly how the dredging process works. He, with the help of Drew and Brian, covered the assembly, deployment, and recovery of the dredge from start to finish. As we are going to be dealing with some very heavy equipment, Dan also spent a good deal of time stressing the safety measures that we have to take every time dredging is going on. We're hoping that we will be able to get in a handful of dredges before our brief trip ashore on the 3rd.

Drew and Dan preparing the dredge


Dan talking about the fundamentals of dredging

Marques, Cait and Ally preparing the dredge

When we finally do get to Santa Cruz there is going to be a lot for us to do. As we're going to have nearly 2 days on the island, we'll be able to enjoy activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, taking a hike through the park, visiting the Charles Darwin Research Center, and relaxing at the beach. I think its safe to say that everyone on the ship is excited for this brief break from the cruise.

Check out today's interview with Dave here!
For more information on the MR1 sonar that we're using, click here

Shout out of the day!!!

The Wills would like to make a special shout out to their moms... and the rest of their family and friends as well!!!