Today is Sunday, and there is change in the air. For one, we have left the sun and re-entered fog. We have also started the 70 meter line back to Dutch Harbor. A large portion of the scientists have completed their work, and each station is now predominantly the CTD, calvet, and optics. With three days left, the tenor of the vessel is mellow, the frenzy of departure just a warm memory. Three full days and then on the morning of the 31st we arrive in Dutch Harbor. I am not ready to leave; there is still much to learn, and this goodbye will be bittersweet. Needless to say I need to get busy; there are words to be written.
Check out the window, bottom left in
I recently received a blog asking questions about the vessel and yes, I have been lax about sharing information about the HEALY and what it is like to live on a four hundred and twenty foot cruising scientific ice breaking mobile command center that floats!
Here are the facts: --Four decks are dedicated to berthing --The Main deck is predominantly the Galley forward, the Engine space a mid ship and the science labs aft. --There are three more decks below the main deck and the bridge above the 04 deck. It is approximately 70 feet from the bridge to the water line. --There is a helicopter hanger and flight deck.
The flight deck without a helicopter is perfect for social functions.
--Each deck has shared open space all with TV, computers and other lounge type equipment
With the permission of the room mates here is a corner of a crew room, quite large.
--There is a weight room far forward and a cardio room off the flight deck aft.
With a tv and all this equipment, anyone would be happy here!
--And the best of all, there are mapped out distances on the weather deck for those who wish to jog (stairs are part of the experience) --Don't forget the ships store, they even have latte!
Hi Andy, any new merchandise today? hehehe
There it is the bare bones of the HEALY, plenty of places to go, lots of things to do. Bingo on the mess deck every Saturday, ping pong in the hanger. Not a moment passes when I am not trying something new.
Everything on a sea going vessel is always strapped down.
Even as the science of our cruise slows down my days are full. There is much still to learn and experience. This afternoon I was able to assist the XO in making a chocolate silk pie...tomorrow we eat!
Photo of the day:
I am in heaven licking the beaters, and chocolate, perfect!
Nautical Expression: "Square Meal" originally when ships were close enough of shore to get fresh vegetables and fruits, healthy fare. The meals were served hot on square plates., thus a healthy most nutritious meal was a square meal.
FOR MY STUDENTS: Think up an entire square meal based only on items you can eat from the sea?