Florida State University : Research in Review

Day 16 - Sunday, 09/28/08

Position: N32 476.645 W120.21.936

We’ve learned that Sunday is no day of rest when the Sur is on a mission. With the seas still cooperating—by noon today we floated in two-footers—the science team worked its collective tail off today. A first cast, aboard at 9 with seven good samples, was followed in rapid succession by three more. By 7:30 tonight, we were westbound back to Station No. 7 to finish there—we’ve bounced between 7 and 8 in case our relentless fair weather turns otherwise.

Capt. Jeff remarked today about the weather we’ve experienced on this trip. “Unbelievable,” he said, summing up our luck. In July, seas battered the Sur so badly on a project to install some weather buoys offshore that even the seasoned crew brought on board to deploy them got sick, Jeff said. Thistle said his experience working out of Scripps taught him that this time of year offers the best chance of reasonable seas here. That insight paid off big-time for this venture. “We have an old saying in oceanography,” Thistle said with a grin. “You can’t lose ‘em all.”

Thistle’s wife, Anne, a science editor at Florida State, let it be known before the cruise that David has a birthday this Wednesday. Stefan’s 24th is Thursday. Is the ever resourceful Chef Karen prepared for the imminent need for birthday cakes? Stay tuned.

Things are clearly winding down on a happy note. There’s a certain twitchiness afoot, even the foreboding of mischief. There’s much heard about home, pets, chores, wives, husbands, boyfriends and girlfriends—the usual hill stuff, the same kind of chatter that fills the long rides home for commercial fishermen too long at sea.

The mission has spawned some good friendships and promises to keep in touch. It’s been a good cruise.

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