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JOURNALIST AT SEA

Day 12: Adapt

11/17/2015

1 Comment

 
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Let’s talk about adaptability, it is the essential ingredient needed to make work at sea possible.  I don’t care if you grew up on the water, have been published all over the world or have the sexiest sea legs in town.  If you can’t adapt--forget it.  The sea is moody, smooth as glass one minute and churning like a Vitamix blender the next.  Tools that work on land decide to take a vacation at sea, can ya' blame em’?  Theories fall apart, tested ideas don’t play out as planned, and equipment WILL break.  I have seen challenges arise that the best think tank in the world would have missed.  All of this, after, you begin your day by adjusting your walk to the ever changing motion.  


If I sound like I am complaining, let me clarify.  I am amazed. From my few dances with science I found it to be exempt from the flaws of other crafts.  Everything is always perfectly measured out, perfectly fit, perfectly…flawed.  You don’t know what you will find out here.  My own equipment has kept me from the journalism that I take comfort in.  I know images and sound, without a properly functioning microphone, I have had to focus on this evolving blog.  I have had to ask for help…gasp! 


Last night, the aerosol team, found their lab infiltrated by salty waters from a stormy night. The main lab is kept at a chilly 50 degrees to keep the integrity of samples alive.  Scientists work in full winter gear for sixteen hours a day.
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​The internet is SLOW-but a blessing to have.  Imagine preparing your dinner tonight while riding a seesaw!  The chef, onboard, does it everyday.  
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There is no place for frustration, it just prolongs the path to a solution.  Everyday, every hour, is about adapting.  The excitement on the other end, of a problem solved, is worth every minute.  


Oh, and that rainbow!

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1 Comment
Janey
11/17/2015 04:01:00 pm

Thanks so much for the informative updates. We have heard several stories from our daughter about the adaptability of scientists.

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    ​Nicole Estaphan

    I love surprises, they give us the opportunity to dive into the unknown with unquenchable curiosity.  Two years ago, I made the decision to leave my job as an Atlanta television reporter. I moved home to Massachusetts and found myself on Cape Cod with no job and no idea of what was next, no idea about the pure magic that was about to enter my life.  A friend of mine called and asked me to do a favor for a small radio station where she had just taken a job.  All I had to do was go to Woods Hole, MA and interview a scientist about a mission called the NASA_NAAMES project.  That scientist would end up changing my life and perspective in ways I am still trying to find the words to fully explain.  After a discussion about their impending journey at sea--an invitation to join them. Though, Mike Behrenfeld and I still disagree on who asked who we DO agree on the result--a fantastic partnership was born.  With less than twenty four hours notice I was on a ship headed to parts of the North Atlantic that few ever see in winter AND for good reason!! The conditions can be intense!   At the time, given the challenges at sea and my video equipment being limited to one tiny little camera .
    (RE: 24 hours notice) this blog became a way for me to communicate with the family members whose loved ones were so far away.  Giving them an onboard look at the fascinating work at the hands of those they call family. Fast forward we are at it again!! This time as the scientists dive deeper into all that is unseen in our oceans--we will dive deeper into their research, the incredible sacrifices that come with that and the love that fuels their mission of discovery. The journey continues March 20th.....

    The Ship

    The R/V Atlantis is an impressive ship, a 275-foot, steel-hulled research vessel operated by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. 

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