By Tom Letessier, PERG, University of St Andrews
Hi all!
Today most scientists and crew have been busy with dismantling and general maintenance of the various bits of gear that have been used for scientific purposes. The Pelagic Ecology Research Team have, along with the Stig, been occupied with our beloved RMT (rectangular mid water trawl), and have spend most of morning taking it apart, and washing the many bolts, shackles, and screws. And believe me, it was a lot of bits that needed cleaning! At 1230 we had our first post-science meeting, where Monty told all science teams what to expect in the remaining week. Amongst other thing this was an opportunity for the scientist to comment on the general success of the cruise. Overall everybody was happy with the performance of the ship and crew.
The Stig leading the RMT dismantle.
Mmmmmmmmm, but can we put it back together again?!!
...it's looking less likely.
During safety drills. Martin was given special treatment during yesterday’s drill, and was even taken for a special military ‘interrogation’. Apart from this though, everything is fine…
Martin on his "special" SAS interrogation, courtesy of Peter Bray.
The weather has picked up a bit and but thankfully the waves are from the stern, so the ship does not rock much. We all feel excited about getting back to land after a long trip. The only element of anticipation is with respect to the calibration at Bantry bay in Ireland. We will be using brand new gear, and there will some insecurity involved in using the brand new fishing rods, used to dangle the calibration sphere under the hull. Finally a big happy birthday to Ben Wigham, who is turning the ripe age of 33 today.
Tom out
