Day 2: Getting Exciting

Things will be moving fast today. We start the day at 7:30 with breakfast. The boat crew is busy finalizing and double checking everything before we disembark at 9. Everything is strapped down on the back deck and most of the science crew is out there watching.

We’re headed towards AFRICA, and it’s going to be a long trip (6 weeks in all).

Before we leave, I hurry up to snap a picture of the Endeavor. This is the last we see of Barbados, and for that matter, land!

Time isn’t wasted. One hour into our voyage, we go into safety drill video. We watch a 20 minute video, find our muster stations, and jump into a survival suit (just imagine what you would look like dressed as Gumby).

Soon afterwards, my mentor (Bill Fanning) and I overview the ships computer systems and data collection methods. Data collection is the objective of every trip, and technicians are the people who collect it and back it up!

I get a quick run-down of the sensors onboard. The ADCP (Acoustics Doppler Current Profiler), meteorological (barometric, wind speed, temperature) and the surface salinity computer systems. In the second photo, you’ll notice the array of computer screens in the main lab. This is headquarters and it’s Impressive!

Day 1: Travel…

I tell myself to pack in advance, but no matter how many times I repeat this piece of advice, it always seems to pass me by. Its super important you would think, but hey, who doesn’t like the thrill of packing within an hour of leaving home. I don’t recommend this to everyone; as the saying goes, different ship, different long splices.

Note to traveler: Don’t overlook the importance of personal care products. If you ever plan on traveling half-way around the world, you’ll soon learn that toothpaste, soap, deodorant, and a pair of clippers are essential. Six weeks without a hair cut might just leave you looking like, and potentially smelling like a caveman.

Beware; being stuck on a boat without the proper provisions could your ticket into the next Geico commercial. Do yourself a favor and leave last minute packing to the experts!

Be prepared for a long day of traveling. In my case, my flights were very early, and so I arrived at the airport at 12 am for a 530 am flight. As you can see in the picture, the place is crawling with people.

Traveling to Barbados is great on JetBlue. The pilots switched to after-burners soon after take-off and made the long trip, in a snappy 5 hours.

If you get the opportunity, sleep through these long flights. Skip out on the delicious meals you’re not offered and the many servings of High fructose corn syrup (juice).

On arrival in Barbados I decided to be brave. I jumped out of the airport and out with the people. I found everyone to be friendly. I’m a “getting to know the real people” kind of traveler. After a hot plate of stuffed chicken and rice I headed for the local bus stop. I did some reading, and it seemed simple enough to catch the bus into town.

I was on foot and made my way towards the “bus hut”. Unknowingly, I overpaid the bus fare. I found out quickly that what I paid for was an hour roller coaster ride going to Bridgetown.

Big buses, lots of people and sharp curves make for a great experience on the Bayesian roads. In my opinion, it was the best bang for my 1/4 buck and totally worth the price of admission.