Thursday, June 18, 1999

7:10, Woods Hole dock; clearing, 1019 mb
The dockside waters are clear here. En route to the WHOI showers this morning a thin veneer of oil slipped beneath the drawbridge from the eel pond marina, and a strong sea scent wafted up the nose. All's quiet at 6, but by 7 the parking lots are filling. Today we load food and welcome aboard the alumni class who donated the most for an overnight sail we'll embark upon this eve.

23:50, Tarpaulin Cove; stars and moon, 1026 mb
Whirlwind tour continues and I have many reminders that there is much to learn. I've had: a first glance at setting sails; a trial tow fish deployment; chlorophyl a sample lesson along with the other surface station measurements; and introductions to other good folks.

The students for 164 passed through the Cramer today and seem like a jocular, enthusiastic bunch. Annette and Sharon arrived. Derrick and Chris departed. And Chris (2nd Sci) lent sage advice: have fun, and let that enjoyment inspire the students. He also suggested that if you keep it simple, the assistant scientist job is easy. The key is minimizing the amount you do, and doing the essential tasks with a light heart and open eyes. Already I find myself overly engrossed, losing my perspective on the grand scheme. It is so easy to live entirely in the details while never learning to sail one's ship...

Tarpaulin Cove is a grand spot to hang the hook. Lasagna was delicious and I ravenous, gobbling 2 servings in the cold twilight wind. Talking over the dark rail, I learned that Wit knows Bruce, and that I still maintain some Woosterisms!

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