The Deadliest Catch has been one of my all time favorite shows for many years so when I learned that my PolarTREC expedition involved me taking a boat out of Dutch Harbor to the Bering Sea, it was like a dream come true! Even though my research vessel leaves in June which is nowhere close to a crab season, I'm hoping to see one of the crabbing boats from the show or at least recognize the setting.
As we talk through our potential expeditions at orientation, I have realized that I am the only one spending their entire expedition on a boat. I am feeling unique in this aspect as I know I don’t have worry about being in the field with limited resources. There will have a crew to look after the research vessel and we will have modern facilities and a lab to work in. What I won't have is space and the ability to leave the ship when I want to but I feel this is all part of this amazing experience.
The Sikuliaq
My research vessel, The Sikuliaq is a 261-foot oceanographic research ship capable of bringing scientists to the ice-choked waters of Alaska and the polar regions. Sikuliaq, one of the most advanced university research vessels in the world, is able to break ice up to 2.5 feet thick, not that we need to worry about ice in June. At February's Ocean Sciences conference in Portland, Oregon , I was talking to some polar scientists about life on the Bering sea. We had a great discussion at lunch about sea sickness and they all had only good things to say about the vessel. This helped me feel more confident about my cruise.
A cupcake representing the R/V Sikuliaq created as part of the cupcake contest at University of Alaska: Fairbanks
To top it all, at Orientation this week, There was a cupcake contest at the University of Alaska: Fairbanks. One of the entries was a cupcake representing the Sikuliaq. Of course, I had to try one and it was delicious. I'm taking this as a sign its going to be a sweet journey!
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