Journals 2003/2004

John Langella
East Providence High School, East Providence, Rhode Island

Met Martin and Sarah and Jeremy for breakfast at 7:00 am. As far as we know they haven't tested the bow thrusters yet and the Knorr is still at the dock. Sarah needs to work on Hercules so she heads for the ship. After breakfast we meet in Martin's room. A few minutes later, Walker Milligan (who flew in yesterday afternoon) came in and told us the front desk had a message for us that we're to be picked up in ten minutes to head for the ship. I head to my room, grab my gear, and head down to the lobby. Our ride is waiting as we check out.

This taxi driver is a little older and the ride is more like a kiddy roller coaster.

When we reach the ship we find that it'll be leaving for sea trials in about an hour. After stowing my gear (very happy to have some to stow!) I head to the main lab and spend the next hour stringing communications cables with Tom Orvosh and Matt Naiman from Wood's Hole.

As the ship leaves port everyone is on deck taking pictures, etc. Everyone is relieved to finally be moving, although we still have to return to port to let off the repair crew this evening.

During the sea trials I spend the afternoon doing more image van hookups and wiring equipment in the main lab. It's an amazing setup. One of the goals of this expedition is to send a live video feed back to the states - 24/7. Its never been done before. I think of how lucky I am to be a part of this! Took lot of photos!

The Knorr returned to dock about 10:00 pm after apparently successful sea trials. Everyone stays on board tonight. We'll be leaving for Istanbul in the morning.