NOAA Teacher at Sea
Ruth S. Meadows
Onboard NOAA Ship Henry B. Bigelow
June 12 – July 18, 2009
Mission: Census of Marine Life (MAR-Eco)
Geographical Area: Mid- Atlantic Ridge; Charlie- Gibbs Fracture Zone
Date: June 16, 2009
Weather Data from the Bridge
Temperature: 12o
Humidity: 75%
Wind: 11 kts
Science and Technology Log
Sometimes circumstances make you change your plans. When we were about half way to the ridge, Internet reception went down. After much thought and consideration, Captain Lynch decided to make port at St John’s, Newfoundland so a new part could be installed. It is important for the ship to have accurate and up to date weather reports that are accessible through the Internet and the scientists plan to use the internet for their work. So today when I woke up there was land in sight….. The sky is blue with cirrus clouds overhead. The sea is calm with low swells. Off to the left of the ship is an iceberg!!!! It is a long distance away, but you could still see it. We are staying outside the harbor for the day waiting to see if the part will be delivered to us. If it does not arrive until tonight, then we will dock at St. John’s for the night, install the part in the morning and then leave for our first sampling.
Personal Log
The part for the computer was not scheduled to arrive before 11:00 pm. A harbor pilot from the town came onto the ship to take us to our “parking” place in the harbor. Around 7:00, we went into the harbor to dock for the night. Everyone’s passports were checked and we were cleared to go ashore. All the science crew and part of the ship’s crew went ashore to see the town of St. John’s. There are large stone cliffs that surround the harbor. Houses are built into the cliffs. One of the scientists said it reminded him of Norway. The boats in the harbor were brightly painted and were built for fishing. It was nice to be walking on solid ground after a few days at sea. We are hopeful that the part will work so we can continue on our trip.
While on shore, fresh produce was picked up so we will be able to enjoy fresh food for a few days more. The food has been really good with a wide variety being served. Each day for lunch and dinner there are usually two choices for the main dish, seafood and a meat with vegetables each day. So far we have had duck, rabbit, and filet of sole, salmon, scallops, fish stew, vegetable lasagna, ribs and many more different items. We even had a cookout with grilled sausages and hamburgers.
