We left the dock early yesterday morning and have been trekking steadily southward towards our first station off the coast of Virginia all day and into the night. A storm system sitting just offshore of the eastern US is trying to throw a wrench into our plans, kicking waves up into 10 ft swells or more in some areas – not so fun conditions for getting our science done!
We’re staying close to the coast as we travel south, trying to skirt the worst of the weather. When we get close to the station tomorrow, we’ll start up science operations as the weather allows, so we’re keeping our fingers crossed looking at the forecast!
In the meantime, those of us on the night shift are adjusting our sleep schedules to stay awake through the night for the next few weeks, and sleep during the day. We’re occupying our time by catching up on work, playing some games, doubling-checking all our gear is secure, and raiding the freezer for ice cream sandwiches.
Hannah Blair, Graduate student at Stony Brook University.
