Vignesh Gokuladas Menon – Clay Carbon Ocean

Day 3: Setting Sail

Day 3 of our research cruise on the R/V Endeavor began with a hearty breakfast in the ship’s galley. Shortly after, at around 0830 hrs, the captain called for a meeting to announce that we were to set sail at 0930. The crew started preparing for our departure, while we secured our lab equipment and personal belongings.

As the clock struck 0930, the gangway to the ship was dislodged and the marine techs ensured that all systems were good to go. The excitement of setting sail for the first planned station was palpable as we steamed ahead for 18 hours.

Day 2 on the R/V Endeavor: Setting up for Success

After a restful night on board the R/V Endeavor, we were eager to get started with the work ahead. We began the day with a delicious and soulful breakfast on board at 0730 hours, ready to tackle the tasks ahead.

Around 0800, the crew arrived back on board, and we were able to transfer our boxes onto the vessel. With the boxes safely on deck, we began the process of unpacking and getting our equipment set up inside the 185-foot vessel. We were assigned the special purpose laboratory for our work station, where we would spend much of our time over the next few weeks.

Day 1: From Hanover to Narraganset – A Research Cruise Begins

As we loaded our vans with the cruise equipment and set off from Hanover, New Hampshire towards Narraganset, Rhode Island, we knew that the adventure of a research cruise was just beginning. Despite the cloudy and rainy day, and even snow as we drove towards southern New Hampshire, our spirits were high, thanks in part to the chocolates Mukul had given us. We stopped at an Indian lunch buffet, enjoying the chance to fuel up and eat to our hearts’ content.