Journals 2006/2007

Cyndy Martin
Portland High School, Portland, Maine

"STAR Project NOAA R/V McArthur II" July 28 - August 26, 2006

Journal Index: September 28 - 29 - 30 - 31 August 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9            10 - 11 - 12 - 13 - 14 - 15 - 16            17 - 18 - 19 - 20 - 21 - 22 - 23            24 - 25 - 26

August 14, 2006
A wild ride

Lat: 8° 31.9' N
Long: 126° 07.8' W
Skies: CL
Wind: 24 kts, 180 deg T
Seas: waves = 3-4', swells = 8-9'
Course: 310 deg T
Speed: 10 kts
Distance in 24 hrs: 212 nm
Sea temp: 28.2 deg C
Distance from land: 897 nm SW of Clarion Is

With Beaufort 6 seas and 8-10' swells, mammal observers had the day off. Bird observers, however, had a big day with 19 different species. A grey and foreboding day with big seas continually breaking over the decks. Beware! I don't think we oceanographers will get conditions nasty enough to call off night op's. Instead it just gets more exciting!

Jordan in port today, and my colleague Mark disembarks and makes his way back home to meet this year's group of eager cherubs.

Look out! That one could wash right up over the deck!