Theres a hole in the bottom of the sea!!!

Tuesday May 21, today is the day that the crew goes fishing.  Fishing for the cork.  We spent most of the morning watching the recovery of  cork 858G.  My classmates and I had a front row seat to the whole show.  Never mind the fact that the show was 2431 meters below the ship.  It was an experience in frustration as time and time again the retrieval head was unable to hook up with the cork head.  They had to keep moving the ship right, left, etc a few inches a time to try and catch the cork.  After a few hours of trying they brought the pipe back up.  Once they got it to the surface there was some damage done.  We will know in about an hour if they decide to try it again. 

Meanwhile up on the beach deck we were preparing the SCIMPI for its journey to the bottom of the sea and beyond.  It is a newer and more hi tech version of the old cork system. This is the first attempt to use the SCIMPI.  Years from now when they are talking about the SCIMPI system of collecting date from under the seafloor, I will be able to say that I was there and helped with the very first one. 

The seas are getting a little rougher right now.  We are seeing ocean swells up to 10 ft high.  That means the ship will rise up 10 ft above sea level and then drop to 10 ft below sea level.  It is as fun as any roller coaster I've ever been on.  They also are expecting a gale tomorrow, which means stronger winds. What a rush that should be.  

I haven't told you about the meals.  WOW, brisket, pork, pineapple ham, fish, and anything else you an think of.  It is an adventure every meal time just to see what they are serving. 

Well gang I better head on upstairs because tomorrow is going to be another full day of high seas adventure on the JOIDES Resolution.

Until next time keep you feet on the ground and your eyes to the seas.