Journals 2009/2010

David Wehunt
Soddy Daisy High School, Soddy Daisy, TN

"Atlantic Northeast Shelf Ecosystem Monitoring Project" R/V Delaware II August 16 - August 29, 2009

Journal Index: August 16 - 17 - 18 - 19 - 20 - 21 - 22            23 - 24 - 25 - 26 - 27 - 28 - 29

August 16, 2009
Arrival to Woods Hole, Massachusetts

Latitude: N 410° 31' 569"
Longitude: W 0700° 40' 480"

The day started out quietly. I went to the airport in Chattanooga, TN and caught my flight to Atlanta. I waited 15 minutes and then boarded my next flight to Boston, MA. I've passed through Massachusetts a couple of times the last few years but I had never been to Boston. While I did not see a lot of Boston, I will say Logan International was a whole lot bigger than I thought it was when we landed. The bus (Peter Pan) that picked me up made 4 stops before it left the airport. Woods Hole is about 2 hours south of Boston and is located beside Martha's Vineyard.

When I arrived at Woods Hole I made a surprising discovery. I didn't know how to find the ship. We arrived at the ferry (going I don't know where) and I couldn't see the Delaware II anywhere! No drama, I asked at the Port Authority office and was told to take two lefts and follow the street until I ran into the ship. Or water. I ran into the ship but then I couldn't find anyone so I could board her. After wandering around the parking area for 20 minutes someone spotted me and took me on board. I was then taken to my cabin which I will share with another gentleman named Ed Morse. He is apparently coming on board tomorrow. Then I left to find dinner and explore Woods Hole's waterfront.

The waterfront at Woods Hole, MA

First of all it quickly became apparent that Woods Hole is a research town with Oceanographic and Marine Biology labs everywhere. As a previous teacher observed, the rest of Woods Hole is a typical seaport town of the northeast US. I explored a little bit and got dinner, watched Tiger lose the PGA, and returned to the Delaware II only to find I was LOCKED OUT! I spotted an individual in the parking lot after spending 15 minutes trying to find a way in that would not get me arrested and they let me in.

I am spending the rest of the evening, exploring the ship and enjoying the sea breeze on the back deck. I may go out later if I can be convinced that I won't be locked out.

I did find out where the ferry is going. Woods Hole is the connecting port for Martha's Vineyard, an island most known for being a playground for the wealthier folks in the country. I am sure it is more than that because the ferries are huge. According to the tour map I picked up at the information desk at the ferry, there are car rental agencies on the island so more than a few people go there. Also the ferries make many round trips a day which indicates lots of traffic as the ferries always seems to be full. Also many people park in lots in the surrounding communities and ride the ferry to Martha's Vineyard. So my conclusion is that Martha's Vineyard is a big island that is a lot more than the playground for a few.

One last item before I sign off. Did I mention my cabin was small? They say a picture paints a 1000 words or something like that. Below is a picture of my cabin or stateroom as it is referred to on this ship. I like it.

My stateroom

Question for my students: What famous ocean scientist used to work out of Woods Hole? (Hint: He found the Titanic)